Shropshire Council and unions move forward with talks
Shropshire Council has taken further steps towards reaching an agreement with trade unions on changes to the terms and conditions of employment of its staff.
The Council, yesterday formally set out in a letter to the trade unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE the details of the further concessions it is willing to offer, if collective agreement can be reached on the best way forward.
The further concessions offered follow the constructive talks with the trade unions last week.
The proposals on offer include two extra days paid leave to be taken in the Christmas holiday period this year and a commitment to limiting the pay reduction next year (2012) from 2.7% to no more than 1.9%.
Staff members will also see an increase in the rate of reimbursement for business travel from 40p a mile to 45p from 1 April 2012.
In addition, the Council has agreed to work closely with the trade unions over the next few months on a detailed review of its sickness absence scheme and on possible alternative savings, which would reduce even further the need for a pay reduction in 2012.
The Council has asked for a formal response from the trade unions to these proposals by the end of the month.
Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council said:
“I hope that staff feel satisfied that we have listened carefully to their concerns and have worked with the unions to come up with viable alternatives. We are eager to move on and discuss more positive changes for the future, protect essential services, local jobs, and levels of earning for our staff. I am optimistic that we can now move quickly to remove uncertainty about these issues for our dedicated workforce, whose commitment, skills and experience we value highly.
“The proposals still enable us to meet its agreed savings target from these changes of £7 million a year, but reduce their impact on staff earnings.”
Alan James, Branch Secretary of Shropshire UNISON, said:
“I am pleased that I can now take this clear revised approach to our branch executive meeting today. We feel that the council has listened to our views and has come forward with an alternative approach which better reflects the views and feelings of our staff. I hope that the branch executive will give these new proposals due consideration with a view to recommending a settlement to our members.”
