Scottish national negotiation yields recommendations on
wage agreement
Thursday, 17th May 2007
Unite (Amicus section) and the Scottish
Print Employers Federation (SPEF) negotiation teams reached an
agreement this week regarding a national wage agreement for
2007/08.
To carry the union's endorsement when put to
ballot, the offer agreed was for a weekly increase of £8.59 on a
Grade B employee's wage, representing 3.3% rise, which will benefit
over 2000 workers.
Steve Sibbald, National Officer for Unite,
added: "Negotiations were very hard this year as the
Scottish Print Employers have had a very difficult trading year and
at the same time our members have had big increases in their cost
of living. So reaching a settlement with these two ingredients was
very challenging. I think the proposed settlement is the best that
can be achieved by both parties.”
Simon Fairclough, SPEF director, commented:
"From the outset of discussions, it was clear that the
National Agreement was under severe threat. I am pleased to report,
however, that a spirit of realism appeared to be shared by both
parties. Our very serious concerns relating to the affordability of
a settlement were understood.
"I am now hopeful that Unite members
working in the Scottish print sector will concur with their union's
recommendation to accept our offer."
-ENDS-
For further information please
contact Steve Sibbald on 07860 538537 or Ashraf
Choudhury in the Unite press office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224
761.
