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22/09/2004
Unison hits out at 'blocked' education pay deal
The government's decision to block the local government pay deal to Northern Ireland education staff has been slammed as "shameful and unworthy" by a leading trade union.
Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis condemned the deal and called on ministers to behave honourably towards decent, hard-working, low paid public sector workers.
The UK Treasury has intervened to block the negotiated pay deal for more than 30,000 workers in Northern Ireland. The education department has now instructed employers - the five education and library boards - to halt the payments and make a business case for any pay award exceeding 3.5%.
The blocked pay award is part of the UK-wide three-year settlement worth 8.9%.
Mr Prentis said: "This is absolutely shameful and unworthy of the government. Just at the time when all parties are hoping for restoration of devolved power, here we have a government diktat which is all about cutting the pay of decent, hard-working low paid public sector workers.
"Unison won't allow its members to be treated like political footballs and won't allow the department to get away with this. We will be seeking urgent talks to resolve this."
The deal included a commitment through the local government pay commission to address the disadvantage suffered by these low paid key workers. The local government pay commission was set up two years ago following a national pay strike.
The majority of workers affected by the ban are school cleaners, school meals staff, classroom assistants, caretakers and clerical staff.
(MB/GMCG)
Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis condemned the deal and called on ministers to behave honourably towards decent, hard-working, low paid public sector workers.
The UK Treasury has intervened to block the negotiated pay deal for more than 30,000 workers in Northern Ireland. The education department has now instructed employers - the five education and library boards - to halt the payments and make a business case for any pay award exceeding 3.5%.
The blocked pay award is part of the UK-wide three-year settlement worth 8.9%.
Mr Prentis said: "This is absolutely shameful and unworthy of the government. Just at the time when all parties are hoping for restoration of devolved power, here we have a government diktat which is all about cutting the pay of decent, hard-working low paid public sector workers.
"Unison won't allow its members to be treated like political footballs and won't allow the department to get away with this. We will be seeking urgent talks to resolve this."
The deal included a commitment through the local government pay commission to address the disadvantage suffered by these low paid key workers. The local government pay commission was set up two years ago following a national pay strike.
The majority of workers affected by the ban are school cleaners, school meals staff, classroom assistants, caretakers and clerical staff.
(MB/GMCG)
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