The craft workers whose pay is based on the Joint Negotiating Committee “Red Book” have been offered a pay increase for 2007/8 of two per cent.

The trade union side submitted their pay claim of five per cent or £1,000 (whichever is the greater) in March. The highly detailed pay claim included a whole range of pay issues, which were specific to craft workers. Despite the delay in responding to the unions’ submission, UCATT says the employers have failed to address any of the more specific issues mentioned in the claim.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: “This offer is derisory. The manner in which it has been received, reveals that the local government employers have complete contempt for their craft workers.

“To say that the union is disappointed with a two per cent pay offer would be an understatement. The union’s Executive Council will now meet in the near future to formulate the union’s response.”