Edinburgh City Council
Edinburgh is back in the news again - the council has been hitting the headlines with dire threats about staff being 'sacked' if they don't agree to new pay and grading proposals.
The first thing to say is: "Don't Panic" - we have been here many times before - and there is nothing to worry about - no one is going to lose their job, whatever the newspapers say.
Edinburgh is trying to change employees' contracts of employment.
Why?
Because after more than 10 years of talks with the unions - they still can't reach agreement on Single Status.
So the council's fall-back position is to terminate all existing contracts - and issue new ones based on revised terms and conditions - but the can only do so after serving the required period of notice (up to 90 days).
Edinburgh is also making new offers of settlement - but again only to some groups - male workers and those in former APT& C jobs are being left out in the cold again - which is very unfair.
Why is the council making new offers?
Because a GMF hearing is listed from 15 to 19 February 2010 - and the council is now keen to negotiate a settlement in preference to the GMF going ahead.
Action 4 Equality Scotland is currently in discussions with the council - will be writing to all Edinburgh clients soon - on an individual basis - with clear advice on what to do next.
In the meantime, Action 4 Equality clients should sit tight - don't attend any meetings or do anything - without seeking proper advice.
The council should not be sending you any new settlement proposals - without our prior knowledge and agreement - if they do, let us know.
The first thing to say is: "Don't Panic" - we have been here many times before - and there is nothing to worry about - no one is going to lose their job, whatever the newspapers say.
Edinburgh is trying to change employees' contracts of employment.
Why?
Because after more than 10 years of talks with the unions - they still can't reach agreement on Single Status.
So the council's fall-back position is to terminate all existing contracts - and issue new ones based on revised terms and conditions - but the can only do so after serving the required period of notice (up to 90 days).
Edinburgh is also making new offers of settlement - but again only to some groups - male workers and those in former APT& C jobs are being left out in the cold again - which is very unfair.
Why is the council making new offers?
Because a GMF hearing is listed from 15 to 19 February 2010 - and the council is now keen to negotiate a settlement in preference to the GMF going ahead.
Action 4 Equality Scotland is currently in discussions with the council - will be writing to all Edinburgh clients soon - on an individual basis - with clear advice on what to do next.
In the meantime, Action 4 Equality clients should sit tight - don't attend any meetings or do anything - without seeking proper advice.
The council should not be sending you any new settlement proposals - without our prior knowledge and agreement - if they do, let us know.
