At the Police Staff Council meeting which took place on 10 November, the trade unions asked again for pay talks for 2021 be re-opened.
This request followed the outcome of the ballots which each union undertook in the late summer/early autumn. Members of all three unions were almost unanimous in their opposition to the pay freeze and said they were willing to undertake industrial action in order to achieve a decent pay award this year.
The unions are therefore pleased that the employers have agreed to re-open negotiations. Dates are now being finalised for these pay negotiations later this month and early December.
INDUSTRIAL ACTION STILL A POSSIBILITY
Although we are pleased that the employers have agreed to come back to the negotiating table, all three unions continue to make preparation for potential industrial action. This is in case we cannot achieve a breakthrough in the talks.
Each union has been consulting with our police branches, and they in turn with their members, over what sort of industrial action would be most effective and what would be the best deliverable if this proved necessary.
We have had a very positive response from members to this consultation and this takes our planning forward to the next level.
INFLATION RISES TO 4.9%
In August 2020, the retail prices index of inflation was 0.5%. Today this has risen to nearly 5%. All the indications are that inflation will continue to rise. There have been big increases in the cost to members of fuel, food and consumer goods. You are being hit hard in your pocket, and it is only fair that you see an increase in your earnings to compensate you for this.
NEXT STEPS
Pay talks will resume on 22 November. The unions will keep members informed of progress.
