Pay Claims Latest

The following is a progress report on national pay claims in England and Wales…

The Association of Colleges (AoC) yesterday made an improved offer to unions represented on the National Joint Forum in England. On the table is a 2% increase from 1st August 2007 and a further 1% increase on current rates from 1 February 2008. ACM, along with the other trade unions, will now be consulting branches on this offer.

Peter Pendle, ACM general secretary said, “Given the current difficult financial circumstances faced by some colleges, we appreciate the efforts made by the AoC to come up with an improved offer. The ACM President’s committee will agree ACM’s position at its meeting next week after consulting our branches.” Members are also invited to post their comments below.

In Wales the staff-side unions will meet on Thursday to try and draft a joint pay claim. However, given funding settlements and the reluctance of the Welsh Assembly Government to fund any future pay awards, reaching an agreement is by no means guaranteed.