The new proposed pay and grading structure from Birmingham City Council that will affect UNISON members employed by the Council, Council run schools, and the Children’s Trust has been roundly rejected.
87.5% of UNISON Members voting in a ballot rejected the proposal. The ballot was conducted via both email and postal ballot, The new Pay and Grading structure is unfair as it provides no increase in maximum salary for the 5,065 staff on Grade 3 (Grade B) of which 71% are female.
The City Council has asked the unions to sign a collective agreement but we cannot do so unless the issue of Grade B is addressed.
UNISON has recognised there are many good elements to the proposals but we have never received any argument as to why 3 of the Grades A, C and D have an increase but not Grade B.
The ball is now back in the employers court. UNISON is willing to address how the proposal can be altered at minimum additional cost. Despite the Council refusing so far to enter into any meaningful dialogue on the issue after communicating our rejection Katy Fox (Head of HR) has agreed to meet UNISON to discuss our concerns.