Pay Briefing 2 20 July 2000
		5% or £500 and £5 minimum rate
		Campaign Index .  UNISONScotland Local Govt . UNISONNews
		Step up the campaign for a YES vote in pay ballot Who's being balloted? Ballot Question What form of action is proposed? Why does it need to be strike? Won't striking just save them money? Pay facts   Step up the campaign for a YES vote in pay ballot New pay figures from May 2000 (see right) show just how much of an insult a 2.5% offer is. If any more proof was needed, these - on top of the comparisons in Briefing No 1- show just how essential a YES vote is in the ballot. This bulletin concentrates on frequently asked questions to help answer member's queries. Who's being balloted? Everyone employed by the 32 councils in Scotland except: chief officers; craft workers; voluntary sector members. The reason for this is if a lead employer is being balloted on an industrial dispute only members employed by that employer who are party to the dispute can be balloted. Ballot Question The question on the ballot paper is, "Are you prepared to take industrial action in the form of strike action?" With the ballot paper there will be information from UNISON setting out why members are being balloted and why they should vote YES. What form of action is proposed? UNISON is recommending strike action. This would involve all out strike action on 1, 2 and 3 days in consecutive weeks followed by selective action. Why does it need to be strike? Because it is the only way to shift the employers and protect members. If we started with selective action, work to rule or boycotting certain tasks, the members concerned could be at risk of being 'picked off'. We would then have to come out on strike to protect them. The problem with that is:- the employer sets the agenda for when we strike, not us. the members at risk have to wait for a ballot and by that time it could be too late. The employers and members need to know from the beginning that everyone is prepared to take action. Won't striking just save them money? Nobody can afford to strike - the question is can we afford not to? Yes, the employers will save. But they will save even more if they get away with the 2.5% insult. What will it be next year? We will fall even further behind. And remember, whatever the rise next year, it will bring a lot more money if it is based on a better deal being won this year.   Pay facts Pay Cut Independent forecasts for inflation in 2000 range from 3% to 4.6%, almost double the offer - that makes it a pay cut! Average rises 4.6% The growth in annual earnings in May was 4.6%, again almost double what local government staff are being offered Private and Public get more In May, other public sector earnings were rising at 3.8% and Private sector at 4.8%. The offer doesn't even keep pace, never mind catch up! English FE deal Further Education staff in England have just settled for 3% or £300 whichever is the greater. Look out for these pay facts, more helpful information and a workplace poster in a special Scotland inUNISON due out this week