Staff ‘Unhappy’ Over Pay Proposal

Union officials in Dumfries and Galloway have received “a lot” of complaints after about 1,000 council staff got letters outlining wage cuts. The cuts are part of “single status” plans to address equal pay issues.

The authority has written to more than 6,000 staff with the proposed new salary structure which it says will leave 67% of employees better off. Staff have still to be balloted on the deal and can appeal against it. Current salaries are protected for three years.

The move is aimed at creating a common set of conditions of service for most local government employees. However, Unison branch secretary Marion Stewart said the proposals had angered some of its members.

“Obviously we have got a lot of members that are unhappy because they are of the 16% that are going down in salary,” she said. “We have been trying to speak with them and tell them what the processes are for appealing. That is as much as we can do at the moment.” She said the actual appeals process could not begin until the outcome of a staff ballot in May was known.

Only if that vote goes in favour of accepting the deal would workers be able to start appeals. Unions were part of talks to come up with the pay proposals but they have not recommended their acceptance. “What we have said is that it is the best that can be achieved through negotiations,” said Ms Stewart. She added that anyone facing a wage cut would have their pay protected for three years. During that period the union would look to secure them a higher post or grading within the authority.

A council statement said the proposed deal would add more than £6m to the annual wage bill for the authority. It added that unions had been fully involved in the discussions to progress the proposals. “A stage has now been reached where these proposals can be put forward for decision,” said the statement.

The next step is for union members to be balloted next month. “Clearly no-one knows at this stage what the outcome of that process will be,” said the statement. “In the meantime, a series of road shows are being run to provide further information and an opportunity for staff to ask questions.”