The results of our ballot of Brighton branch members on whether to accept or reject the “final offer” of 2.0% or £425 is follows:
84.2% voted to REJECT the offer.
15.2% voted to ACCEPT the offer.
The turnout was 57.7%.
Thanks to everyone who voted or persuaded others to vote. This is the highest turnout we have had in a consultative ballot and sets a good foundation on which to build, if a full postal ballot takes place in the near future. (The blatantly undemocratic Trade Union Act requires a turnout of at least 50%.)
The result is a clear endorsement of the recommendation of this branch and UNISON nationally, that 2% in real terms is a pay cut and that we have to reject this offer and campaign for more.
A national meeting of the Service Group takes place tomorrow (Thursday 2nd August), where reps will consider the national situation. As a democratic union, we will take into account the feelings of all members in all branches, but on the back of this result, we will be making a case for a full national ballot to be run alongside UCU and other unions, which will potentially allow us to threaten action if the employers don’t offer a more reasonable settlement.
Once again, thanks for playing your part in that process.
We’ll bring you further news when we have it.