5 December 2005

TO: UNISON/GMB/TGWU ACTIVISTS in local government in Scotland

Dear Colleague

EQUAL PAY UPDATE

The Trade Union Side of the Scottish Joint Council considered the final draft of the text of a proposed circular that has been under discussion with the Employers Side via the SJC Steering Group. The circular covered a number of issues relating to Equal Pay and in particular ‘compensation for past discrimination’.
Although significant progress has been made the draft circular as it currently stands is not acceptable to the Trade Union Side. All of the trade unions involved ie. GMB, TGWU and UNISON have agreed to convey this to all of our members via this joint update.
The proposals include a matrix which details a monetary value for varying levels of compensation. The joint conclusion is that it is not enough to meet our members’ legitimate expectations.
There are other elements which are of concern and these are backed up by the legal advice.
The Trade Union Side is willing to continue meeting with the Employers Side to see if a joint circular can be achieved.
Failing that, we anticipate that CoSLA will issue the document as ‘Employers Advice’, thus individual councils may seek to discuss this locally.
It has been agreed that the Trade Union Side seeks urgent legal advice and then issue advice to all branches.
At local level we strongly recommend a joint trade union approach on how to progress all of this and you are encouraged to work closely on any approaches that are made, especially if your own employer is seeking to get an agreement. You are advised to seek the appropriate advice and where relevant, approval before reaching any binding agreement.
CoSLA will now be informed that the draft circular as it currently stands is not acceptable to the Trade Union Side.

Yours sincerely

Carol A Judge
TU Side Joint Secretary
UNISON
Alex McLuckie
TU Side Joint Secretary
GMB
Jimmy Farrelly
TU Side Joint Secretary
TGWU