GMB Scotland in Local Government – COSLA Pay Consultative Ballot Starts Today!
GMB has spent the last year working hard to get you the best pay deal possible and as communicated to you last week, your GMB reps believe the final offer tabled by COSLA is the best that can be achieved through negotiation.
COSLA’s three-year offer proposes the following:
· 2018/19 – increase of 3.5 per cent (capped at £80,000, on or above which a flat rate of £1600 will apply).
· 2019/20 – an increase of 3 per cent.
· 2020/21 – an increase of 3 per cent.
GMB recommends our members vote to accept this offer in our consultative ballot, which starts today (Monday 4 February) and will end on Thursday 28 February.
The ‘pros’ of this deal are the consolidation of the living wage, a de facto increase of 6.5 per cent this year (3.5 per cent for 2018 plus 3 per cent for 2019), and that the value of this deal is greater than what was implemented in NHS Scotland.
The ‘cons’ are that we remain dissatisfied about the weighting of the deal between the low, middle and high earners and the suitability of a three year offer against the backdrop of Brexit uncertainty.
We need to be clear that a rejection of this offer will mean moving to a strike ballot but we will always be honest with you; GMB will not play fast and loose with your livelihoods or lead you into a dispute with no real prospect of a positive outcome.
Ultimately you will decide whether this offer is acceptable but we recommend you accept it as the best achievable through negotiation. We have served notice of our position to COSLA, which you can read here.
You will be balloted in your workplace, via text message or by post. Please look out for updates on what method of ballot you will receive and when. If you need to update your contact details you can do so at www.gmb.org.uk/mygmb
In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions then please contact your local rep or email us at gmbscotcampaigns@gmb.org.uk
Posted: 5th February 2019