The consultative ballot of UNISON members on the NJC 2024/25 pay offer of £1,290 on all pay points (full time workers and pro rata for term time/part time) and 2.5% from pay point 43 was rejected by 80% of members.
The national UNISON NJC committee met to discuss the results of the consultative ballot and approached the employers to try and obtain a better offer. None was forthcoming and therefore the national UNISON NJC committee has decided to move forward to a formal industrial action ballot to try a pressurise a better pay offer.
The offer does nothing to address the 25%-30% loss in the real value of pay for local government workers and school support staff. The offer does nothing to address the recruitment and retention crisis affecting many service areas.
The challenge now for all of us is to surpass the 50% ballot thresholds in each employer to maximise the pressure for a better pay deal.
If you would like to help with this task email sandwellunison@btconnect.com with your details and we will be in touch.
The ballot is due to begin early September once schools reopen for the new term.