Next steps.
The last minute offer of talks by the Cabinet Secretary Sir Augustine O’Donnell is welcome news; a vindication of the efforts members have made to secure justice on Pay. It is possible of course that this is just a ruse to secure suspension of the 10th November event. Since this would achieve nothing but a delay, this would seem rather pointless. We are cautiously optimistic therefore that there will be meaningful discussions.
However, the ongoing support of members for our Pay Campaign is now more vital than ever. Inflation stands at 5%. In DWP this year, the Pay Rise has been Zero. In MOD too, there have been Zero per cent pay rises in recent years, whilst there have been billions for the banks and senior bank executives.
Those who have received Pay Progression must not confuse this with a Pay Rise. All parts of the public sector have been hit by the pay cap, but only in the civil service does this cap have to fund Progression as well. In all other parts of the public sector, Pay Progression is funded separately. For those below max, until the mid-nineties, Progression jumps were around £1,000 a year, quite separate from the Annual Pay Rise. It is this money that was looted from us in 1995, and never put back.
In DWP this year, because there has been Progression, there has been no money for a Pay Rise. Remember too, that whether you are on max or progressing towards it, the current Pay Imposition means the max will devalue by 10% or more over the 3 years of the Imposition.
If government changes hands in 2010, its worth remembering that in the mid-nineties the (then) DSS budget was frozen for 4 years on the run. DSS still made pay offers, but how would DWP or MOD cope with a frozen budget, with staff cuts already factored in? Whatever the government, we have to alter the zero percent pay rise or it will be the tip of the iceberg. None of us can afford to have our Pay driven down by 10% in real terms every 3 years. Remember the bankers enjoyed “boom” years. We did not.
We call on all members to stand firm, Support the campaign, back the NEC-and write to your MP. Campaigning works. If you are not already a member, please fill in the application form on the reverse.
Suspension of 10th November event.
This occurred at the 11th hour, leaving the Branches in a tricky position as regards getting the news out. We did tannoy announcements at Norcross and Warbreck. At Peel Park the employer did the announcement, but left out most of the message resulting in numerous queries. Some management groups picked up on this and circulated the full tannoy message. Peel Park representatives also issued a quick circular. At Warbreck the employer e-cascaded the full message, and at Norcross we issued a not-entirely-related desk drop that was ready to go, so we were available to answer questions in some blocks.
The FCB&S Branch Secretary issued a press release. Unfortunately, the Gazette chose not to run this, but some information was covered on radio stations.
If any member inadvertently took Industrial Action on 10th November, please contact your Branch Office as a matter of urgency.
