Trades Unions to consult on Revised Redundancy Framework Position following negotiations
The Council and trades unions have been holding intensive negotiations this week (16 – 20 July) to resolve the ongoing dispute in relation to the Council’s revised redundancy framework, but no agreement has been reached and the trades unions are now taking the revised position to their memberships to seek their views.
As previously reported, agreement was reached on 11 July in relation to the changes to employees’ terms and conditions, resulting in the suspension of the planned industrial action for waste services from 12-15 July for these further talks on the redundancy framework to take place.
Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson added, “We committed to working with the trades unions to resolve this dispute and significant progress was made when we reached agreement on alternatives to reductions to terms and conditions, including annual leave and overtime. Whilst we would all have preferred to reach agreement, progress has been made on the redundancy payments framework and it is now time for our employees to have their say on the revised position. I would hope that the dispute can be resolved through the consultative ballot.”
Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody said, “The reality of the challenging financial climate is that the redundancy payments framework we changed was not sustainable and it was far beyond the national average. With the continued reduction in real terms to local government funding, most other councils in Scotland have also made significant changes to reduce their policies over the past few years. It is essential that East Dunbartonshire does the same to address our ongoing financial challenges and to ensure best value of the public pound.”
Action short of strike action continues across service areas for GMB, Unison and Unite during this further consultation with their membership, including working to rule and no overtime.
Assessments on service impacts are ongoing for the action short of strike action and the Council will continue to advise residents of any resulting disruption to services.