Menu
22/09/2004
Unison hits out at 'blocked' education pay deal
The government's decision to block the local government pay deal to Northern Ireland education staff has been slammed as "shameful and unworthy" by a leading trade union.
Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis condemned the deal and called on ministers to behave honourably towards decent, hard-working, low paid public sector workers.
The UK Treasury has intervened to block the negotiated pay deal for more than 30,000 workers in Northern Ireland. The education department has now instructed employers - the five education and library boards - to halt the payments and make a business case for any pay award exceeding 3.5%.
The blocked pay award is part of the UK-wide three-year settlement worth 8.9%.
Mr Prentis said: "This is absolutely shameful and unworthy of the government. Just at the time when all parties are hoping for restoration of devolved power, here we have a government diktat which is all about cutting the pay of decent, hard-working low paid public sector workers.
"Unison won't allow its members to be treated like political footballs and won't allow the department to get away with this. We will be seeking urgent talks to resolve this."
The deal included a commitment through the local government pay commission to address the disadvantage suffered by these low paid key workers. The local government pay commission was set up two years ago following a national pay strike.
The majority of workers affected by the ban are school cleaners, school meals staff, classroom assistants, caretakers and clerical staff.
(MB/GMCG)
Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis condemned the deal and called on ministers to behave honourably towards decent, hard-working, low paid public sector workers.
The UK Treasury has intervened to block the negotiated pay deal for more than 30,000 workers in Northern Ireland. The education department has now instructed employers - the five education and library boards - to halt the payments and make a business case for any pay award exceeding 3.5%.
The blocked pay award is part of the UK-wide three-year settlement worth 8.9%.
Mr Prentis said: "This is absolutely shameful and unworthy of the government. Just at the time when all parties are hoping for restoration of devolved power, here we have a government diktat which is all about cutting the pay of decent, hard-working low paid public sector workers.
"Unison won't allow its members to be treated like political footballs and won't allow the department to get away with this. We will be seeking urgent talks to resolve this."
The deal included a commitment through the local government pay commission to address the disadvantage suffered by these low paid key workers. The local government pay commission was set up two years ago following a national pay strike.
The majority of workers affected by the ban are school cleaners, school meals staff, classroom assistants, caretakers and clerical staff.
(MB/GMCG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 July 2008
Government Workers To Strike
Local government workers across Northern Ireland are planning a two-day strike this week starting on Wednesday over pay. The Unite union has called on assembly members and councillors to join the picket lines and support striking workers in England and Wales.
Government Workers To Strike
Local government workers across Northern Ireland are planning a two-day strike this week starting on Wednesday over pay. The Unite union has called on assembly members and councillors to join the picket lines and support striking workers in England and Wales.
24 May 2021
Hovis Workers Agree Increased Pay Offer
A majority of Hovis workers have accepted an increased pay offer and strike action has now ended. Unite the union welcomed the offer and said it was as "decisive victory for workforce achieved through collective organisation and industrial militancy".
Hovis Workers Agree Increased Pay Offer
A majority of Hovis workers have accepted an increased pay offer and strike action has now ended. Unite the union welcomed the offer and said it was as "decisive victory for workforce achieved through collective organisation and industrial militancy".
04 February 2014
Public Workers Stage Day Of Action
NIPSA and UNISON trade union members have staged a day of action to protest against a lack of rise in pay over the past four years. Public sector workers protested at Belfast City Hall and at the Guildhall in L'Derry as part of a UK-wide demonstration calling for increased wages. The unions have described current wages as "poverty pay".
Public Workers Stage Day Of Action
NIPSA and UNISON trade union members have staged a day of action to protest against a lack of rise in pay over the past four years. Public sector workers protested at Belfast City Hall and at the Guildhall in L'Derry as part of a UK-wide demonstration calling for increased wages. The unions have described current wages as "poverty pay".
10 September 2002
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
22 March 2018
NHS Staff In NI 'Most Likely' To Miss Out On 6.5% Pay Increase
The UUP has issued a warning to NHS staff in Northern Ireland that they are most likely to miss out on a 6.5% pay increase announced in England. A three-year pay package for NHS staff in England has been agreed in principal with the government.
NHS Staff In NI 'Most Likely' To Miss Out On 6.5% Pay Increase
The UUP has issued a warning to NHS staff in Northern Ireland that they are most likely to miss out on a 6.5% pay increase announced in England. A three-year pay package for NHS staff in England has been agreed in principal with the government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
