Single Status News from the Wider World!

A brief update from around the country for those who aren't too sure what to think about Single Status and Job Evaluation.

Obviously we all want to sleep soundly at night without worrying too much about work and getting paid next month, so use this information to be aware, not alarmed.

The Single Status/Job Evaluation negotiations are ongoing in Doncaster and as yet have produced no final proposals - you can rest assured that the thoughts, opinions and ultimately actions of you, our members will be the final decider in what happens here.

Staff in Falkirk reject Imposition.

Workers in Falkirk council are moving to a ballot for industrial action over the latest moves by their employers to impose a Single Status deal in December.

Unison members, along with the GMB, could strike on 18 December.

Unison Branch Secretary Gray Allan said; "The employers own figures are that 80 -85% of workers will be unaffected or will see their pay increase but we are worried about the other 15% who will be detrimentally affected."

He added that action could take the form of a one day council wide strike in which, "...everyone shows their solidarity," followed by selective action.

The action will be followed up by the submission of thousands of formal grievances by workers who have been subjected to the "fire and re-hire," tactics that the council has used to shift them onto new contracts.

Coventry announces more Strikes.

The Exchequer Banking Team were set to strike on Wednesday of this week in the next stage of the Branches ongoing campaign against an imposed deal which saw large numbers of employees downgraded.

Earlier this year Coventry workers took a series of days of strikes and now plan to ballot other groups of workers. Neil Swatman - Branch Communication Officer, said " The Exchequer Teams action was among the most effective - there is still a backlog of work."

Glasgow set to Strike.

The turmoil continues in Scotland. A ballot for industrial action in Glasgow City council (the biggest authority north of the border) ended last week with an overwhelming Yes vote.

The planned action will start on Tuesday of next week and will begin with a three day strike!

Glasgow Unison members were outraged when they found that they were not able to access the branches website from council workplaces.

We will provide an update on this important dispute through the blog and direct to members at the Single Status members meeting on Thursday 7th December 2006 at the Carr House Centre.

Blackburn with Darwen.

Approximately 1250 workers at Blackburn with Darwen council in Lancashire are currently facing pay cuts as a result of Single Status/Job Evaluation.

Staffordshire County Council

If you want to (and have internet access at home) you could check out the web-board set up by IT workers in Staffordshire forum.saveoursalary.org which will give you a sense of the distress and anger felt by employees at some of the most savage threatened pay cuts yet.

Contributions from workers speak volumes and include;

"Someone in our office is losing £14,000 thanks to JE! NOW THAT IS MESSED UP!"

"I'm £6,156 (27%) down and feel traumatised. It's making me bad tempered with family, friends, colleagues and the public. I hate the person I'm turning into."

"I would support any strike that is called! Fair pay for a fair days work."

These are just some of the Single Status disputes around the country. We are more than prepared to publish any information about where Single Status is being implemented without any hitches and without employees losing money but as things stand such stories seem pretty thin on the ground. If you know of any, please let the Branch office know.

When the Single Status Agreement was reached in 1997, our members were told that "...many should gain and none should lose." Well now, and in the coming months we shall be negotiating and fighting for DMBC to honour that original sentiment.

We want to hear from you, either at the planned members meeting, in meetings in your workplaces or at the Branch office. Please remember, negotiations in Doncaster, although rapid, are at an early stage and the Branch negotiators will be guided by you and by the stewards network.

So, don't lose any sleep, brothers and sisters and please don't worry in silence when we are only a phone call away.

Watch this space!