TALKS over pay increases for public service workers are deadlocked. Due to the failure of the Public Sector Remuneration Committee and Unite, representing the workers, to come to an agreement, the industrial disputes officer has been called in to mitigate.
But Ron Le Cras (pictured), Unite’s regional industrial organiser, questioned whether the PSRC could even negotiate with the union because of the States’ decision to curb spending.
‘Our concern at the moment is, is the PSRC able to agree a proper pay rise or not? Because they keep telling us their hands are tied,’ he said. ‘All the people who we deal with in the private sector, and any other companies I know, are all paying RPI or above rises to their staff but the States of Guernsey is saying it is not able to give us an RPI pay increase.
‘Therefore, public service employees feel they are being made to pay for zero-10 twice.’
The deal should have been settled by 1 January. Workers rejected a 3% pay offer and are claiming last September’s RPI figure of 4.9% plus a further 3%.
Public service employees are the second largest of the public sector pay groups with about 1,000 workers.
They include cleaners, porters, maintenance staff, Dairy workers, harbour attendants, road sweepers, school caretakers and groundsmen.
Industrial disputes officer Michael Fooks will now try to help resolve the issue but Mr Le Cras said he was unhappy that future talks between the sides could not be arranged.
‘I’m very disappointed by the action taken by the PSRC in that they feel there is nothing more to be gained by further talks,’ he said.
‘I certainly do not share that view.’
Deputy Al Brouard, chairman of the PSRC, said it had been decided yesterday morning to refer the matter to Mr Fooks because the committee wanted it resolved without further delay.
‘The committee concluded, reluctantly, that a resolution will not be achieved in a reasonable time frame through further direct negotiations with Unite.’
Should Mr Fooks be unable to help, a binding award will be made by an independent arbitrator or an industrial tribunal, Deputy Brouard said. ‘Now that the matter has been referred, the industrial disputes officer will have an important job to do,’ he said.
‘The committee will refrain from any public comment on the substance of the case to ensure that he has the best possible chance of facilitating a negotiated settlement.’
Article posted on 12th July, 2008 - 9.30am
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