Every year the joint trade union side for local governmemnt, UNISON, GMB and Unite, negotiate over pay.  Below are details of the joint pay claim for local government workers in 2024-5

Pay Claim 2024-5

Local government pay has fallen back into bargain basement territory. We are some of the lowest paid workers in the public sector.

We have lost 25% of our pay in real terms since 2010.

More and more of us are struggling to make ends meet and falling into debt.

This year UNISON alongside the other unions has proposed the following:

A pay rise of £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) for all local government & school workers

The full claim is available on our Pay Campaign Website 2024 and has been submitted to the Employers’ Side.

Gearing up for the pay campaign!

The Employers Side will be consulting councils on the pay claim throughout March 2024, before meeting initially in April and then again in May 2024 to consider their response. It is crucial that we maximize political pressure on council and school employers during this period. We need everyone to make it absolutely clear to national and local government employers why a fair and decent pay rise is so vital.

Please use this Local Goverment funding campaign website to contact your local MP about backing more funding for local government.

This is a political fight to get central government to properly fund the public sector. The money is out there but they are prioritising ‘vote winning’ tax cuts over providing the services that people rely on.

Make sure your data is up to date

In case you are balloted for strike action over the pay claim we need to make sure your address is up to date. Please check your current details with us at My UNISON – Login Page.

Lambeth UNISON leads the way

During last years pay campaign Lambeth UNISON got the highest turn out in the country and an amazing 89% yes vote for strike action. This year local government branches up and down the country are looking to us because we are a flagship branch made up of trade unionists who want to fight for a decent standard of living and better pay. 

If there are new people in your team then get the to join UNISON today join.unison.org.uk!

If we do get balloted for strike action over the pay claim we will expect every member to vote and have their say. Without a decent fight our pay will continue to decline and the crisis in local government will only get worse – that means engaged and active members across the union.