Union calls for explanation of 'reason and rationale' behind latest pay offer

Unite, Prospect and PSC due to meet for discussions this week

Public sector workers who are providing essential services on the Isle of Man are being ‘left behind’ in terms of pay.

Unite the Union and Prospect are preparing for further talks with the Public Services Commission this week after a new pay deal was put on the table.

They’ve been asked to ballot members on a two-year deal which represents a four percent increase for the current financial year and 2.5 percent for the following 12 months.

It’s the fourth pay deal which has been put forward by the PSC which represents more than half of government’s workforce.

You can find out more HERE.

The last offer – a three-year deal – was rejected over concerns that it might result in an increase below inflation.

Debbie Halsall is the regional officer for Unite - she told Manx Radio she wants an explanation for why a sliding scale can't be introduced:

The PSC says it ‘respectfully disagrees’ with the unions’ perspective that a three-year deal would lead to an increase below inflation.

It adds the new offer tabled reflects the commission’s decision to find a resolution ‘as quickly as possible’ – particularly since staff have not received any pay increase of the current year.

The PSC says accounting officers are ‘increasingly finding it challenging’ to engage in effective financial planning and a three-year-deal would have provided financial clarity.

It adds a working group could also be established to look at some of the ‘broader and more complex’ issues in regard to terms, conditions and policies.

You can hear more from Debbie Halsall in this episode of NEWSCAST: