SINGLE STATUS CONSULTATION UNISON ABERDEENSHIRE RESPONSE

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3.8 POSTS NOT MAPPED

3.8.1 Playgroup Supervisors and Crèche Workers - this group appear to have been overlooked by the process and have not been mapped across to any role in the proposal. Some currently earn less than the lowest rate on the structure of £6.29/hour. Surely at very least they should be placed on that rate as an interim pending a full review. They also have expressed concerns about how they will be involved in any review as they feel that the Council don't know what they do and don't value their contribution.

3.8.2 Adult Education Co-ordinators - there appears to have been an error made here. This group got the letter stating that "Because of the wide range of pay scales for your current job …" - they are all on the same rate of pay at present. In the past this role was known as Organising Head Teacher (OHT). It needs to be brought into one of the families.

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4. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1 OVERTIME

4.1.1 The loss of double time for work on Sundays is not acceptable to those who work that pattern. Concerns over whether Services will be able to function as staff opt out.

4.1.2 Questions have been raised on how overtime will be calculated. The proposals say weekly, over 37 hours. Some employees advise that they work a 4 week rota and managers have indicated that calculation will be over 4 weeks and 148 hours?

4.2 WEEKEND WORKING

4.2.1 This is one of the areas which we identified for Rosie Docherty to examine. For staff who work on Sunday as part of their normal working week the removal of double time has a significant effect on their earning ability.

4.3 NIGHT WORKING/UNSOCIAL/IRREGULAR HOURS/SHIFT ALLOWANCES

4.3.1 These parts of the proposal are not supported by those who currently work these patterns. There is a strong view that if the proposal is implemented that services will face recruitment and retention problems.

4.4 CAR ALLOWANCES

4.4.1 A mixed bag here, some in favour, being those who do a modest mileage (Essential and Casual users) see this as a significant cut in income. IR rate has been at same level for 5 years therefore takes no account of true costs of fuel etc.

4.5 RE-DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

4.5.1 There was no stated support for the proposal to float off Good Friday. Some wanted the day retained as a religious holiday, this being especially strong in the coastal communities. Others wanted no further erosions on their pay when they are required to work on a public holiday. The public holiday arrangements should remain as they are at present.

4.6 PHASED RETIREMENT SCHEME

4.6.1 This generally had a favourable response but we had some questions from members who may seek to retire at age 60. Could they access the scheme in their final year i.e. from 59?

4.7 OUT OF HOURS SERVICES

4.7.1 Social Work Out of Hours - great concern was expressed by members working in this service. Their present terms and conditions are unique and were tailored for the service. There is considerable uncertainty how the proposal will affect the present employees and the ability to recruit in the future. It is felt that this needs to be looked at as a discrete exercise.

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5. OTHER ISSUES

5.1 Protected salary/conservation - we have been approached by a number of members who are on a present protection and some who argue that they are not but you say they are. I think it will be best to raise these as individual matters which we will do over the next few weeks.

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6. CONCLUSION

6.1 The main issue raised is 'mapping' and the fact that it is not transparent or easily understood. This has led to criticism of the pay model, which while viewed by the EqIA as fit for purpose and sound instils little confidence in the workforce.

6.2 A related point and one which we came very strongly across all sections was that people wanted to be recognised and valued for what they do and the mapping has not achieved this. Many individuals thought it was not about the money but about the job role. "I don't do that, how can they expect me to accept their decision" - a member.

6.3 UNISON will be pleased to discuss the contents of this response with you and we will continue to feed in any further comments received in the remaining 2 weeks of the consultation.

B Revie 13.10.2006

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