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1 May, 2007
SHETLAND Islands Council is in the course of implementing single
status. The purpose of the single status agreement is the creation
of a pay system, which is objective, transparent, and free from
discrimination. The single biggest barrier to this being achieved is
funding.
The SIC are telling staff that the only way that equal pay can be
delivered is for the pay and conditions of other employees to be
cut. These are not overpaid fat cats - in most circumstances they
are other low paid workers, men and women!
As a voter, and candidate in the local government elections, this is
unacceptable to me.
Local government employees deserve fair pay and deserve compensation
for past discrimination. Other employees' pay, conditions, and jobs
should not have to pay for this legal requirement. Nor should the
public through cuts in services or big rises in council tax.
The funding of single status should be a key factor in deciding how
staff, trade unionists and residents cast their vote in the local
government elections on 3 May.
The SIC must urgently discuss and agree with staff and unions the
way to deliver fair pay. In addition they should join with trade
unions to exert every possible pressure on the Scottish Executive to
provide additional
funds to pay for single status. They are doing this in other parts
of the public sector - why not in local government too?
Candidates should make their position known on this matter and what
they would propose to do if elected to ensure that the SIC carries
out its legal duty to agree an objective, transparent and
discrimination-free pay system.
Best Wishes
Daniel Robertson
Independent Candidate for Shetland North
daniel@youngshetland.info
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