U.K.
(December 2016) The public service unions GMB and Unison have welcomed a new deal that will see paramedics move up the National Health Service pay scale. The unions argue that the level of skills and responsibilities of the job justify the change. The paramedics are currently on a scale GBP 21000-28000 (EUR 24900-33200) and will move up to GBP 26000-35000 (EUR 30900-416000).
The IMPACT and SIPTU unions are calling for better pay and conditions for community workers. The unions argue that it is unsatisfactory for these organisations, many providing important social services, to try to survive on a system of annual grants. They say that the vital role these organisations play should be recognised and that the contribution made by their predominantly female workforce should be properly rewarded with decent pay and pensions. Read more at > IMPACT (EN)
As part of the 2015 public sector agreement, services union ver.di secured some improvements to the rules covering pre-retirement arrangements for firefighters with 35 years' service. Eligible firefighters can now get monthly payments, rather than a lump sum, worth 70% of monthly pay for a three-year period. The new rules also mean that some employment benefits, such as sick pay, are continued during the transition period. The only sour note is that employers have not been geared up to deduct the relevant employee contributions that they have to make to build up their entitlement. [Read more
Services and energy union ver.di along with the IGBCE union organised warning strikes on 15 and 16 January in the Uniper energy company to put pressure on the employer to come up with a better pay offer. The unions want a 6.8% pay increase over a 12 month period plus a EUR 160 increase for trainees. So far Uniper has offered only 1.8% in March 2019 and 2.2% in 2020. The unions say this would be effectively a cut in pay in real terms and if the company doesn't improve its offer then all-out strikes would be considered.
