IMPOSITION

UNISON Scotland is extremely concerned about the slow rate of progress towards reaching agreements on Single Status.

• Very few councils have concluded an agreement.
• A significant number of councils have made very little progress in developing proposals.
• Several authorities have presented final proposals. In these areas there are active negotiations or the proposals have been the subject of membership ballots.
• A number of councils have issued notices of dismissal and re-engagement to staff. Some have imposed their pay and grading scheme. Others have intimated that they will do the same. Sacking staff is never the appropriate response. These authorities should return to the negotiating table to resolve the outstanding issues.
• A large group of authorities are still developing proposals. This includes detailed discussions with the Trade Unions, mainly around the structure of the job evaluation scheme.

UNISON is focused on progressing agreements but it is the responsibility of local authorities to develop proposals. Too often councils are withholding vital job evaluation details – information which is essential for the Trade Unions if we are to negotiate the implementation of equal pay. Our Council, here in the Borders have shared all available information with UNISON.

No-one wants lengthy disputes or to divert public resources to lawyers through litigation. Whilst some authorities have reached agreement others have not negotiated seriously or have produced schemes that simply do not meet the equality requirements. In these areas Trade Unions can not sign up to an agreement. Scottish Borders Council have been negotiating seriously with Trade Unions for some time and have adjusted final figures to improve Equality.

Not all Scottish Councils allow time for the Trade Union processes of Balloting to take place and a number of Councils take the drastic route of imposing change.  Some Councils have sought agreement for change from individual Staff rather than seek a collective agreement after a Yes Voting Ballot.  Some Councils have chosen to dismiss Staff with the offer of re-engagement on the new Pay and T&C.

In the Scottish Borders, our Council have already sought voluntary agreements for Staff to change contracts. UNISON Members in the Scottish Borders rejected the Single Status Package in July 2008 Ballot. Therefore in order for our Council to implement this Package, dismissal and re-engagement is the only option for them as a Collective Agreement is not possible at this time.

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