Joint statement from emloyers, unite and unison

Attached is a joint statement (see below) so talks will begin in 3 weeks. I will try and be constructive.

But as one unison activist said to me today, it raises more questions than it answers! But we have a date for talks, which is a start.

Perhaps Unison should set a deadline for a firm proposal from the employers, they have had a couple of months since the ballot to think about it, and we have now given them another 4 weeks since the 2 days of action to come up with a response? By which time regions will have called open activist meetings to discuss the format of future action if needed (yes i know meetings are difficult over the summer, but we can't not discuss things for four weeks? we just need to be imaginative, call more than one meetings so those who are on holiday can make at least one?)

Then the employers will know that by the end of the deadine we have given them our members will be ready to take further action if the offer is not good enough.

I am not sure what we should read by "nothing ruled in, nothing ruled out" but what we need to down on the ground, in workplaces, branches and regions make sure the negotiators and most importantly the employers know that are members a beneath inflation pay rise is "ruled out"; a three-year deal, when inflation and costs are still rising is "ruled out" and an attack on our terms of conditions is "ruled out"

This is the best way that we can ensure our negotiators have the best chance of winning against our employers.

So I presume that regional officers have already been asked by the NJC to organise these joint activist planning meeting with UNITE and where possible supportive GMB and teachers unions activists, and ensuring that we have a plan of action (Plan B!) if the offer from the employers does not match the needs of our members. Oh and in case the regional officers haven't been asked to organise these meetings we should encourage them, with motions from branches or do it ourselves in our towns and cities.

Ed

To: Chief Executives in England, Wales & N Ireland
(with copies for Personnel Director & Finance Director)

Members of the National Joint Council

Provincial/Associated Joint Secretaries

Local Authority Associations’ Secretaries



24 July 2008




Dear Colleague,

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES PAY NEGOTIATIONS


The following statement has been issued today on behalf of the National Employers and UNISON and Unite:



“Local government unions UNISON and Unite, and the National Employers, in the context of the current dispute on the 2008 pay settlement, agree that a new era of employment is needed to reflect properly the contribution of the workforce in purview of the NJC to service improvements and the future needs of local people.



Therefore, to secure this new settlement, the partners are committed to immediate serious and meaningful negotiations over a range of issues, including those in the trade union claim this year and a full review of the national conditions of service. These discussions will be on the basis of nothing ruled in or out and will aim to conclude with early proposals that recognise the aspirations of the workforce in the context of the financial position of local government.



Both the National Employers and UNISON and Unite will enter into these negotiations constructively with the aim of securing an employment package which is fit for the future with positive industrial relations, high quality and efficient local services and resolves the current dispute”



The agreed talks are scheduled to begin on Wednesday 13 August.



signed by Employers secretary, Heather Wakefield, UNISON, Pete Allenson, UNITE