Glasgow - In Denial
I'm generally an optimist when it comes to complex and difficult negotiations - my motto over the years has always been 'Where there's a will there's a way'.
But I would just like to add something to Stefan's update on the ongoing settlement talks with Glasgow City Council.
The threat made by senior officials to 'fight every single issue they can in tribunal' if negotiations fail, is proof positive that the legal battle with Glasgow City Council has not ended - despite what some politicians claim.
In other words, senior officials are still prepared to defend the 'unfit for purpose' WPBR and this must include the infamous 37 hour rule which was clearly designed to discriminate against the Council's largely female workforce.
Beggars belief, if you ask me, so let's hope the Council comes to its senses before its too late!
Someone asked what am I expecting from the meetings. This was my answer. I hope it helps and is clear. But as always comments read with interest.
The outcome should be a “scheme” to calculate offers we can recommend to cover the period up to March 18. (although that could be a negotiating issue. They might suggest an earlier date)
This scheme can then get political approval
Then finance
Then offers
Then payment (no sooner than April)
Then new JES plus pay and grading (likeliest 2021)
The council often talk about a “number”or “offer” by December but that’s not realistic because they need to verify 13600 files involving well over 30000 contracts.
If no agreement is reached then we will report back why we’ve not succeeded and the members can decide what to do. It might be that The Leader may need to intervene.
We will carry on preparing for the tribunal hearings listed in February plus spring and summer.
If that happens the officers have told us that they will seek to prevent even the protection period going to remedy and will fight every single issue they can in tribunal. We presume they got political permission to make that threat. Doesn’t scare me but does show our continued problem with officers.
I imagine there might be a little unrest.
But I sincerely hope the council sees sense and delivers
Stefan Cross
