WLGA disappointed by arbitration decision
03 March 2009
Welsh Councils have today heard that ACAS arbitrators have made an additional pay award to local government staff of 0.3% over and above the 2.45% pay increase that was paid last October (effective from 1st April 2008).
The unions’ claim was for 6% or 50p an hour. Councils could not accept such a high pay demand, saying it was unaffordable and would result in either job losses and / or cuts to front line services.
After an unsuccessful two day strike last July, the unions decided to refer the pay claim to ACAS. The result of this ACAS decision is what has now emerged.
The Employers reaction has been one of both surprise and disappointment as the outcome runs counter to all the evidence that was submitted in written and oral representation to the panel.
A WLGA spokesperson said:
“The terms of reference required the arbitrators to examine affordability for all councils, and we ensured that the Welsh position was fully reflected in the Employers evidence. The 2.45% was at the limit of affordability for Welsh councils and an additional pay award at this time cannot be justified.
Councils are already cutting jobs to balance the books and weather the recession. In addition, this year’s local government settlement was dismal and councils are already facing hard choices with regard to services. Finding this extra money will put more jobs in jeopardy and that can only increase the strain on services. However, the alternative, that of passing the cost to the tax-payer is clearly not one that we can support.”
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