UNISON are thrilled that Cornwall Councillors voted at the full council meeting to re-instate the Living Wage Foundation pay rate for staff at the bottom of the pay structure – the majority being women.
In a joint campaign between the Trade Unions and the Labour Party, councillors were persuaded that Cornwall Council needed to continue setting a strong example in Cornwall as a Living Wage employer.
Today’s victory for the trade union campaign means a minimum hourly rate of £8.25 for the 628 lowest-paid council staff and 1319 staff in local-authority maintained schools.
Gill Allen of UNISON Cornwall said:
“This is a huge victory for these workers and their families. This extra money is going to be good for the workers and good for the Cornish economy. More money in the pockets of workers means more custom for local businesses. In such difficult financial times, Cornwall Council should make sure every penny it spends has the maximum benefit for local people.
“In 2014, our higher paid members voted to forego personal pay increments until 2017 – in order to assist the council budget with the implementation of the Living Wage. We are pleased our employers have recognised and continue to support the original agreement.
“The Trade Unions will continue to work with the Council to fulfil their commitment to remain a Living Wage employer for the years ahead.”
