Craftworkers' pay claim rejection

(9/6/10) The employers have been unable to make an offer on pay due to ‘unaffordability’. Circular (LG/32/2010) highlights the employers’ response to the JNC Trade Union Side 2010 Pay and Conditions Claim.

The trade union pay and conditions claim
The claim was submitted on 27 April 2010 and the employers formally responded on 20 May 2010.

The employers had stated in January 2010 that they were, ‘unable to offer any increase to the trade unions in the JNCs including Craft and Associated Employees for 2010/11’.

The claim highlighted the continuing recovery in the construction industry and the rising cost of living. Strong support was again given to the continuation of the Red Book and existing negotiation arrangements.

The main elements of the claim are summarised below and can seen in full at http://www.unison.org.uk/localgov/craft.asp

a) Increase in Basic Pay
‘A significant increase in basic pay which takes into account, the rising cost of living, and disparity with wages in the private sector construction industry’.

b) Common Craft rate – establishment of a working party

c) Guaranteed Minimum Bonus – consolidation on 2010 rates

d) Consolidation of Building Labourer and Heating and Ventilation Mate Grades

e) Extra Payments and Allowances – car allowance increase

f) Working Hours – working week reduction to 36 outside London and to 35 within

g) Holiday entitlement – increase to 25 days on basic and qualifying period review

h) Bereavement Leave – review and clarification

i) Paternity Leave – two weeks paid Paternity Leave

j) Sick Pay – move to 9 months full pay and 3 months half pay

k) Agency Labour – guidance on agency labour and use only, ‘as an absolute last resort’

l) Standby Allowances – minimum standard rate

m) Storage of Tools and Clothing – 5% increase in allowances n) London and Fringe Area Allowances – ‘an increase in London and Fringe Area allowances to reflect the rise in public transport costs’.

The employers’ response
The employers have rejected the pay claim, saying that they are, ‘unable to make any offer on pay’. The conditions parts of the claim were also rejected.

The JNC trade union side are now considering their position. Branches will be kept informed of further developments and the employer’s letter, detailing their response to each element of the claim, can be downloaded in PDF format

UNISON is not represented on the Craft JNC and has not been a party to the pay talks.