Unions call for 10% pay rise for council workers

Three trade unions ​have submitted a claim for a pay rise of at least 10% for all council workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In a joint statement, 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, the ​pay of the lowest paid workers ​would go above £10 per hour – ​lifting them above the ​real ​living ​wage of £9.50 per hour (outside London).

Council employees include refuse collectors, library staff, teaching assistants and care ​employees – key workers who help communities to function, ​say the three unions.

‘Local government workers have kept the country going during the Covid crisis,’ said Unison’s head of local government, Jon Richards.

‘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 econom​ies and give workers a boost as they keep delivering important services into the future.’

Unite’s national officer for local government, Jim Kennedy added: ‘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.’

Photo Credit – Stux (Pixabay)