Two Tales of One City
The good citizens of Edinburgh are entitled to scratch their heads in disbelief - at the antics of their local council and trade unions - on the vital subject of equal pay.
A ground breaking Single Status (Equal Pay) agreement was signed by all Scottish Councils and the unions over 10 years ago - in 1999.
But ever since the unions and the council have been in 'negotiations' - to implement the agreement in full.
The first deadline came and went in 2002 - the second in 2004 - but still the talks in Edinburgh continued.
The latest statements from the two sides illustrate the problem perfectly.
True, they may be talking, to each other - but in completely different languages it would seem.
The council was upbeat in a recent announcement:
"Delivering fair and equal pay across the City of Edinburgh Council took a significant step forward yesterday. Although no agreement was reached at the final day of Modernising Pay negotiations between the Council and trades unions, it is recognised that both sides made a determined effort to reach agreement."
But the unions have a very different take on things - as a visit to the local Unison web site demonstrates:
"UNISON calls for real talks as council serves notice on 'Modernising Pay'........ Consultation brings clear rejection of proposals."
So, there we have it - after only 11 years of meetings and endless talks about talks - both sides have simply agreed to disagree.
What a palaver.
A ground breaking Single Status (Equal Pay) agreement was signed by all Scottish Councils and the unions over 10 years ago - in 1999.
But ever since the unions and the council have been in 'negotiations' - to implement the agreement in full.
The first deadline came and went in 2002 - the second in 2004 - but still the talks in Edinburgh continued.
The latest statements from the two sides illustrate the problem perfectly.
True, they may be talking, to each other - but in completely different languages it would seem.
The council was upbeat in a recent announcement:
"Delivering fair and equal pay across the City of Edinburgh Council took a significant step forward yesterday. Although no agreement was reached at the final day of Modernising Pay negotiations between the Council and trades unions, it is recognised that both sides made a determined effort to reach agreement."
But the unions have a very different take on things - as a visit to the local Unison web site demonstrates:
"UNISON calls for real talks as council serves notice on 'Modernising Pay'........ Consultation brings clear rejection of proposals."
So, there we have it - after only 11 years of meetings and endless talks about talks - both sides have simply agreed to disagree.
What a palaver.
