A three year deal?

The Employers are keen to tie the unions into a 3 year deal and in addition they want to look at the Green Book. Now the Green Book is the local government conditions of service? What has the Green Book got to do with our pay dispute?  Trade unionists and members should be under no illusions, given the black hole in the government’s finances, we are going to be expected to pay for the crisis. That is what wage restraint is all about after all. On the other hand the unions, particularly UNISON are desperate to be seen to get a “result” from the dispute. The most likely outcome of this trajectory is some sort of fudge with an increase in the pay offer for this year, tied to a three year deal and concessions from the unions.

Economic situation worsens

However, there is a distinct threat to this nice little deal. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the ballot took place. The economic situation continues to get worse and there is evidence that the mood is beginning to harden. Within the NHS UNISON has voted to reopen negotiations over pay. Pressure is being brought to bear on the leadership of the GMB to organise a ballot over local government pay – rather than a half baked ‘consultation’ and in Scotland (which isn’t part of this particular dispute), the three unions UNISON, Unite and the GMB are all involved in the campaign. The general industrial situation is still fairly favourable for a successful unified pay campaign, with a whole range of unions and industries still in dispute. So, if the dispute was to continue then it would not be isolated.

Measly deal

It is possible that a three year deal, particularly if it was based on a measly increase this year and 2.5% for years two and three would be accepted by the union negotiators, but would be opposed by the membership, although it would probably have the recommendation of the leadership. If the leadership did accept it, this would represent squandering two days of action that many stewards and branch officers have fought to deliver. This was never going to be an easy dispute, because the flipside of the economic crisis is that many members were afraid to rock the boat, in fear of their jobs. It would be seen for what it is – not good enough!

The focus of the dispute has moved to the negotiating table. It is vital that branches and activist apply pressure on the leadership and the negotiators, to fight for the best possible outcome of this dispute. 6% was what we asked for; under the circumstances of Labour’s economic meltdown this is the bare minimum we need. A 3 year deal in the current situation would be a disaster for members. Any proposed deal that fails to come up to the members’ expectations should be rejected and immediate plans put in place to recommence strike action.

• We won’t pay for the crisis!
• For a one year deal: No to 3 years of pay cuts!
• Be prepared: to take further action!
• Fight for the full claim!
• For united action with teachers; civil servants and health workers!