Fairer Pay, No Way!
February 23, 2009 12:00 AM
rewards the rich
The Liberal Democrat Group proposed giving all staff a flat rate pay increase. They were not supported by the Conservative Executive so lower paid staff will bear the brunt of cost of living increases.
Geoff Rowe proposed a motion, seconded by Dan Daley, that the amount of £3.72 million for pay increases be divided amongst all the staff by an equal payment of £173 (net). In percentage terms, the lower grades would benefit more with help in coping with higher living costs. The Lib Dems felt this to be the most equitable way of dealing with 1% increase which was all the Conservatives were willing to offer.
The proposal failed; the result lower grades will suffer more when higher National Insurance Rates come into force later this year.
Geoff said "This 1% offer is derisory which rewards the rich and discounts the valuable contribution made by the lower paid members of KCC staff, who deliver the day to day services regarded as excellent by the Audit Commission".
He continued "The lowest two grades of KCC staff are paid less than the national pay spine for local government, in a part of the country where the costs of living is amongst the highest".