We will offer members full support if ballot leads to industrial action
GMB Union will offer members full support if ballot leads to industrial action
GMB, the union for local Government workers, has said today’s ‘woeful’ pay offer falls well short of the pay claim submitted on behalf of 1.4 million workers.
School staff, refuse collectors and council workers have kept our country moving through the coronavirus crisis, often putting themselves in harm's way. Now they are being told by Local Government employers all they deserve is a pay cut.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary
A final pay offer of 1.75% falls way short of the pay claim submitted.
The pay offer comes with local authorities in the midst of a recruitment crisis, as more than 60% of councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland reporting they are struggling to fill vacancies.
GMB, along with other unions submitted a claim for 10% - to make up for ten years of real terms pay cuts under Conservative Governments.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said:
“School staff, refuse collectors and council workers have kept our country moving through the coronavirus crisis, often putting themselves in harm's way.
“Now they are being told by Local Government employers all they deserve is a pay cut. It's a woeful pay offer.
"Local Government Employers refused to jointly make representation with the unions to the Chancellor on pay, which is frankly disgraceful.
“Local Government workers know they need a proper pay rise – and this isn’t it.
“GMB will now meet with reps to discuss next steps for a ballot on the offer and if this leads to industrial action, members will have our full support.”
