Unions to plan action in bid to end the pay cap
UNIONS WILL discuss co-ordinated action in a campaign to end the controversial cap on publicsector pay.
The TUC Congress in Brighton will finalise plans for rallies and demonstrations as well as ballots for industrial action.
A debate at the conference on Monday comes amid speculation that police and prison officers are in line for a pay rise above the current one per cent limit.
Ministers are expected to accept recommendations for higher pay rises this week, paving the way for similar increases for other public-sector workers.
Pay review body recommendations for police and prison officers for 2017/18 are still to be published and awaiting a government response, which Prime Minister Theresa May has said will happen “shortly”.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady will say in her keynote speech: “The Prime Minister talks about the ‘sacrifice’ publicsector workers have made, as if it were their choice.
“Public servants weren’t given a say in the matter. They’ve had seven years of pay freezes and pay cuts imposed upon them.
“They have been forced to work harder for less, while the Government has lined the pockets of corporate Britain with tax giveaway after tax giveaway.
“On October 17, public servants will rally on Parliament Square and send a clear a message to Mrs May – five million hard-working public servants need a pay rise. The public backs it. Now just tell the Treasury to get on with it.”
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, said all public-sector workers deserved a pay rise.
“We should reject any notion of deserving and undeserving workers. Any attempt by the Government to limit increases to uniformed workers should be rejected by all,” he said.
“Now is the time for a united campaign of action on the issue of scraping the pay cap.”