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  • "The reason we are in the mire is down to overspending - in other words, spending money we didn't have.
    The last government was out of control on spending and saddled us with a massive debt that had NOTHING to do with the global financial crisis!(Yes, there is additional debt from bailing out the banks but it is only about 8% of the total debt)
    Add to it the gross overspending by we, joe public, who managed to rack up TRILLIONS of Pounds of personal debt and you can see why we are in the proverbial whatsit!
    Just be thankful we are not Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy or France - all of whom are a lot worse off than us!
    >
    Only one thing matters to us at the moment, our Triple A Rating.
    >
    With regard to this Southampton dispute, the Unions are a bunch of numpties. We have to cut costs and the quickest way to do that is to cut labour costs - that's how it works - there is no other sensible way! Ask any businessman.
    >
    It's now up to the government to encourage new jobs and for businesses, especially small businesses, to create new jobs. There is no simple solution - austerity for a few more years yet."
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Union to urge rejection of pay deal to end industrial action at Southampton City Council

10:00am Wednesday 2nd November 2011 in News Photograph of the Author By Matt Smith , Politics and business reporter

Union to urge rejection of pay deal to end industrial action Union to urge rejection of pay deal to end industrial action

CITY council workers will today be urged to reject a pay deal that could end six months of industrial action in Southampton.

One of two main unions, Unite, will recommend its members reject a proposal that could settle the bitter row over staff pay cuts brought in under threat of dismissal in July. It brought three months of strike chaos to the city. Work-to rule action is ongoing.

Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said the proposal was “unacceptable” as it would set aside a £12m legal claim that the council’s failed to fully consult over it dismissal plans.

The larger Unison union said the proposal was the best it could negotiate but is not urging its members to vote either way.

The proposal will be presented to up to 2,400 union members at a series of joint Unison and Unite meetings at Above Bar Church and the Civic Centre. They will then make up their own minds in a secret postal ballot beginning on Friday.

Unions will also the discuss Tory-run council budget plans, which would see 217 more jobs axed next year.

Council and union leaders agreed the basis for the negotiated settlement to reverse some of the pay cuts imposed on thousands of staff during peace talks three weeks ago.

Council leader Cllr Royston Smith has since accused Unite leaders of breaking an agreement that they would recommend the proposal to members. Mr Woodland denied there was any such agreement.

The proposal would see half of the council workforce – those earning under £22,000 including the majority bin men - lifted out of pay cuts of between two and 5.5 per cent forced on council staff earnings over £17,500. Others would have some of the pay cuts restored.

The council maintains the pay cuts will protect 400 jobs as it seeks to save £75m over four years following Government funding cuts.

Meanwhile more talks were due to be held today between unions and the Government over increased pension contributions by public sector workers. Unions have threatened a nationwide strike on November 30.

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