15 May 2023With reference to the above, we are aware that there have recently been some developments in regard to the pay talks for 2023/4. These are as follows:
- UNITE have announced that members have rejected the offer by 75% to 25% and plans to conduct a formal ballot for industrial action. This will commence in late May and is expected to run until early July.
- Likewise GMB members have voted 64% to 36% to reject the offer and it now has plans to “move to industrial action in some areas”.
Both UNITE and GMB undertook indicative ballots only so are not required to publish the response rates.
- As reported in March, UNISON is to move straight to a ballot on industrial action which will begin on 23 May and close on 4 July. The ballot will be on a disaggregated basis, which would mean strike action could be taken at each council where it meets the criteria of at least 50% of those voting and supporting industrial action.
With this timetable it may be late August or early September before any industrial action is taken or any decision is known. It is common practice for all three unions to prepare a coordinated response together at the same time.
A reminder that the full and final pay offer was for a flat rate increase of £1,925 pa for all SCP points from 2 to 43 (SCP1 being abolished) and 3.88% for all above, effective from 1 April 2023.
We will continue to keep members advised as soon as any developments arise.
