27 June 2008
The WLGA has reacted with huge disappointment to the decision taken by Unison to proceed with strike action over pay on the 16th and 17th July.
Steve Thomas, WLGA Chief Executive said:
“The Unison decision is seriously out of step with the pressures on council budgets. Indeed GMB has already recognised this and overwhelmingly agreed to accept the 2.45% employers offer, plus an extra £100 for the lowest three pay grades. Furthermore, the Unison ballot result with a 55% Yes vote on a 27% turn-out suggests no appetite amongst the local government workforce for strike action with only 13% per cent of the membership affirming such an option.”
“Similarly the loss of 2 days wages for many local government employees will not be recovered with the Chancellor of the Exchequer making it clear that the public finances could not cope with additional pay pressures. In Wales the local government settlement equates to 2.4% hence there is no additional money in the pot to meet anything above the employers offer. As such, local government employers have rightly pointed out that our last offer must be our final offer.”
“The WLGA hopes that the damaging impact of this strike action on public services in a very difficult economic climate can still be re-considered.”
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks