NORWICH CITY UNISON

A finalised 2008/09 pay settlement is growing nearer, following the interim increase to be awarded in November of 2.45%.

The arbitration process is moving forward with both the Trade Union and the Employers’ side making written submissions to the arbitration panel later this month, and an oral hearing expected to follow in early December. The final pay award will then be made by the Arbitrator.

Employers have agreed to pay council workers an interim 2.45% pay rise in their November pay packets to tide them over Christmas, which will be backdated to April. 

The final settlement of the 2008 pay claim awaits the results of arbitration, and any difference between this interim measure and the final increase will be paid to employees at a later date.

There has been no further news since the 2008 claim was referred to arbitration. This follows the decision of Unison’s NJC Committee not to ask members to take any further industrial action in relation to this year’s pay offer.

UNISON’s NJC Committee met last week to review progress in the negotiations over this year's pay claim.  A number of important decisions were made at the meeting:

UNISON NJC Committee has asked branches to consult their members over what future action they might be prepared to take. 

All branch members will receive a ballot paper in the internal mail system to return and let us have your view.

Members are asked their preference of four options:

The National Joint Council (NJC) re-opened negotiations yesterday afternoon, a day early according to the previous timetable.

Unison have confirmed that talks between Unison, Unite and the Local Government Employers are scheduled to start on Wednesday 13 August. 

An understanding that talks can go ahead has been reached during discussions between UNISON, Unite and the employers, with a timetable to be agreed at a later date.  Dates for any further strike action will therefore not be named at present, although progress will be monitored over the coming weeks and the decision reviewed in September.

One week on from the strike action, Branch Secretary Kevin O'Grady gives an update on how things went:

"Overall, we were extremely pleased with the amount of activity and support over the two days and the interest since then. 

Strikers from Norwich City Branch made the front page of the Norwich Evening News today - and there was further media interest from TV and radio crews at the rally held on Hay Hill this lunchtime.