Three local government unions have submitted a claim for a pay rise of at least 10% for all council workers in England.
Unison, GMB and Unite said only a ‘substantial’ pay award from April onwards can begin to tackle years of savage local authority cuts and pay freezes. Under the claim, council employees including refuse collectors, library staff, teaching assistants and care employees would see their pay go above £10 per hour – lifting them above the real living wage of £9.50 per hour.
UNISON, GMB and Unite – which between them represent 1.4 million council and school employees – say only a significant pay award can begin to tackle ten years of savage local authority cuts and pay restraint. Staff working in local government have seen up to 25% wiped from the value of their pay, the unions say.
Council employees include refuse collectors, library staff, teaching assistants and care employees – key workers who help communities to function, say the three unions.
The Covid crisis has been a reminder that local authorities are vital to the communities they serve, especially during the past hugely challenging year. Staff deserve better pay and working conditions, the unions say.
UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said: “Local government workers have kept the country going during the Covid crisis.
“Many face daily risks to do their vital work and keep communities safe. But slipping wages and job insecurity have hit morale.
“Paying staff properly and investing in the workforce would recognise those at the sharp end who’ve given everything. It will benefit local economies and give workers a boost as they keep delivering important services into the future.”
Unite national officer for local government Jim Kennedy said: “We are sick of the employers’ crocodile tears, refusing to recognise the contribution our members make in caring for the elderly and vulnerable. They are on the frontline, endangering their lives every day, but the response has been pay freezes, cuts to services and jobs.
“Ministers pledged to support local government, but words are cheap. The employers should show courage and demand the proper level of funding that is desperately needed, including a fair pay increase.”
GMB national secretary Rehana Azam, said: “Our members put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. They stepped up during a public health crisis, now employers and ministers must step up and address the pay crisis in local government and schools.
“Low-paid support staff kept schools open, often covering for teachers without increases in wages. This pandemic has shown the best of our public service workers.
“Their dedication must be recognised through a substantial settlement that begins to deliver pay justice.”
