Public services reps meet to discuss pay strategy

Prospect representatives from across the public services sector met in London this week to coordinate strategy on delegated pay negotiations and key sector issues.

Opening the day, General Secretary Mike Clancy drew comparison between public and private sector. While many Prospect members have specialist skills that would be highly valued elsewhere, they are committed to public service but warned that “commitment to public service doesn’t pay the mortgage”.

Mike highlighted the need to strengthen our organising and delegated collective bargaining agenda, referring to opportunities to improve union density in parts of the public sector.  He also stressed the benefits of securing better access rights under the Employment Rights Act.

Deputy General Secretary for public services Steve Thomas updated reps on Prospect’s campaigning including on specialist pay, ahead of the upcoming pay remit guidance, outlining the challenges departments are likely to face and the importance of coordinated campaigning to push for fair pay for our members.

Reps also heard from Simon Claydon, Director of Civil Service Pay, Policy & Pensions who gave insight into the Cabinet Office’s approach to pay and the policy framework shaping negotiations.

The meeting also covered the wider economic and fiscal context for public sector pay, alongside workshops focused on building our sector campaigning for members.

The Public Services Sector Executive Committee (PSSEC) is meeting shortly to consider next steps, as we await the publication of the pay remit guidance.  

You can view photos from the day on our Flickr.

Commenting on the wider pay context ahead in the Mirror this week, Mike Clancy said: “A government that is campaigning on the cost of living can’t also be a government that forces real terms pay cuts on its staff, and my union will be making that very clear in upcoming pay talks.”