Workplace issues – Page 3 – Stirling UNISON

Pay – A derisory offer & our rejection

The SJC Joint trade unions received a pay offer from COSLA this week(whilst it is dated the 28^th of February it was in fact only sent to us on the 2nd of March).

22-02-28-Pay offer letter

The UNISON Local Government Committee met the same day and decided unanimously to reject this offer immediately without going to consultation (the LG pay protocol procedures, allow for this). We met with the other SJC Trade Unions later that day and they agreed to do likewise.

There was an SJC Steering Group meeting this morning with the employer where they formally tabled their offer and we notified them of our rejection. We have since written to them confirming our rejection.

SJC pay rejection of offer

UNISON will be issuing a press release on this asap and will send you further information as soon as we receive it.

First Minister Statement today

The First Minister made a statement on the impact of the Omicron variant today. Key points were:

Omicron is significantly more transmissible than other variants of Covid-19.
We still do not yet know for certain whether it is any milder than other variants.
We are now in a race between the virus and the vaccine – additional resources will be put into vaccine and booster roll-out in the coming weeks.
Those between 18-29yrs will be able to book their booster from tomorrow. Those above that age should either have already their booster or already be able to book.
Further protective measures to slow the spread of the virus will be brought in incl extending the workplace testing scheme, measures to avoid crowding, emphasis on social distancing, collection of data by businesses for the purpose of tract and trace, ensuring all who can work from home do so, reinforcing the rules around the use of face coverings and additional guidance on minimising contact with others.
There is an additional £100 million to ensure the Self Isolation Support Grant is available for those who need it, given the expected increase in the number of eligible people who will be asked to isolate.
New guidance for Schools for the return after the Christmas break is being looked at now and they expect to be able to issue by the end of this week.
They will limit the number of people who can visit those in care homes and advise the use of testing prior to visits being undertaken.

For full details of the First Minister’s announcement see here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-14-december-2021

Omicron Evidence Paper

For more information on the rise and implications of the Omicron variant please see the Scottish Government Evidence Paper.

Omicron Scotland Evidence paper

The Scottish Government has updated the above guidance, through correspondence sent to Health Boards, HSCPs and Councils.

Letter to adult care homes updating on omicron and-protective measures

Letter to care at home supported housing and day services updating on-omicron and protective measures

We have attached the relevant letter sent by Donna Bell. The change relates to the Covid booster status of workers that would allow them to be exempted from self-isolation requirements.

We also attach a similar letter that has been issued today to local authorities re school staff.

Letter from cabinet secretary for education skills and cllr mccabe to DofE self-isolation early draft 14 December 2021

UNISON secure improved pay offer

UNISON secure improved pay offer for Local Government. Strike action will be suspended whilst we consult members on this new offer.

UNISON Local Government committee met on Friday and agreed to suspend our planned industrial action whilst we consult our LG members on this offer.

The offer comes after UNISON had threatened to call out school cleaners, school caterers, school janitors, waste, recycling and fleet maintenance service workers or 5 days of strike action in councils across Scotland. As part of escalating action.

Coverage of UNISON notices of action on LG pay

You can view those articles here:

https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/moray-council-workers-set-to-join-nationwide-strike-in-pay-d-255125/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYASoTMzE4MjY0MDcxMTI2ODA5OTQyODIcZjI4NWMwZmU2ZWU1ZDUxNTpjby51azplbjpHQg&usg=AFQjCNEtlh50GDq_2DhehF0odFMV5Xqwnw

For full details of the First Minister’s announcement see here:

Omicron Evidence Paper

New Guidance on Isolation for those working in Social Care