2013-2014 National Pay Negotiations
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Having concluded the formal national pay negotiation process for 2013-14 under the New JNCHES* framework without reaching agreement, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), representing the Higher Education employers, and the HE trade unions** instigated the dispute resolution procedures built into New JNCHES.
These dispute meetings have now concluded with the trade unions indicating that they would proceed to consult their members over the summer with a recommendation to reject the employers' offer. Further information is now emerging regarding the various unions' positions.
- UCU have concluded their member consultation, and have indicated that their membership would support moving to a ballot for strike action and action short of a strike.
- UNISON will be conducting a ballot of their members for strike action.
- Unite’s position is not yet known.
- GMB have advised that they will be consulting their members with a recommendation to accept the final offer.
Background
The employers made a final offer of a one per cent increase on all points on the national 51 point pay spine from August 2013, together with positive joint working proposals on other aspects of the trade unions' claim. Taken together with incremental progression which almost half of staff at Sheffield will receive, the increased offer will add around 2.4 per cent to the University’s pay bill.***
The unions' joint claim sought a percentage increase of at least the RPI (this was 3.2% in February 2013 when the claim was submitted) plus an additional percentage increase on all pay points together with improvements to the salaries of lower paid staff to match the Living Wage and an increase in London weighting. The two-part claim also includes a number of pay-related and equality elements.
The employers explored all aspects of the trade unions' claim and acknowledged the particular importance which they attach to the position of those on the lowest pay points. However, under the Framework Agreement the use of points on the national pay spine are matters for local determination in consultation with local trades unions.
A one per cent increase brings staff paid on the starting points of the national pay spine closer to or above the Living Wage. HEIs also provide generous sickness, holiday and pension benefits, none of which are reflected by the Living Wage Campaign.
Throughout the negotiations UCEA has emphasised its members' concerns relating to on-going change in the sector, as well as the Government’s expectations of pay restraint in the current economic climate. The employers also stressed that all HEIs will continue to face challenging and uncertain circumstances.
An employers' spokesperson said, "We are disappointed that, after extended talks and a genuine attempt to address the unions’ concerns through joint working proposals, the unions say they will be recommending rejection. Our employers feel that this is a good offer in circumstances where the sector is seeing operating surpluses decline sharply and where HEIs continue to face a challenging and uncertain environment."
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available, however whilst the trade unions undertake their consultation it will mean that there will be no pay award implemented in August 2013. As and when the entire process ends and any pay award is agreed it will be paid and backdated to 1 August 2013.
* Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff
** GMB, UCU, Unison and Unite (EIS represent academic staff in Scotland, but are not recognised at Sheffield).
*** This includes 1.4 per cent for increments and the 1 per cent offer