GMB Members Working In Local Government Vote To Accept 2008 Pay Offer

Return to main [news page]

Date: June 2008

GMB vote is a vote against strike action rather than positively in favour of the 2.45-3.3% offer

GMB local government members have voted 4 to 1 to accept this year’s (2008) pay offer. The offer was 2.45% with higher amounts (3.3%) for the lowest three spinal column points 4, 5 and 6. The pay rise will be backdated to April 2008.

Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary said, “Although GMB members in local government have voted to accept their pay offer, this needs to be seen in its proper context. It’s actually a vote against strike action rather than positively in favour of the 2.45-3.3% offer. It’s a much narrower vote than last year.

Let there be no doubt that this pay offer is only being accepted because the alternative would be strike action and many GMB members cannot afford to lose pay to go on strike. That is the economic reality at the moment but it is clear from all our feedback that the mood is changing.

I think next time around will be a very different matter because our members are sick of pay rises that do not match the cost of living. I do not believe GMB members will stomach another paltry offer when we open new pay negotiations later this year for 2009/10.”

 

---

End

Contact: Brain Strutton, GMB National Secretary for Public Services on 07860 606137 or GMB Press Office: Steve Pryle on 07921 289880 or Rose Conroy on 07974 258123.

Return to news page by [clicking here].