Arbitration moves forward

Local government unions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed proposed terms of reference for arbitration over this year’s pay award.The proposed wording is: "The arbitrator is asked to consider the arguments put forward by both sides and make an award to resolve the 2008/9 pay dispute.All parties accept the arbitrator’s decision is final. In particular, this means:
No further industrial action will take place during the arbitration process or following the arbitrator’s decision, and
Any award will be implemented in full without delay." The employers are considering the same form of words and unions hope to receive confirmation from them by the end of the week.Arbitration will consist of both sides making detailed written submissions to a panel of three arbitrators, which it is hoped will be completed by the last week in November, followed by an oral hearing in early December.The joint unions also agreed the 2009-10 claim, for "seeks a one-year, across-the-board pay increase of at least the level of retail price inflation with additional increases for the lower paid".The full text of the claim will include the unions' objective of reaching settlement in time for the award to by paid into members' pay packets by 1 April 2009.A joint union letter will be sent to each authority, asking them to budget for at least a cost-of-living increase to fit in with the claim and relevant UNISON branches are being encouraged to write to their employers also. A template letter will be sent to branches shortly.