Peace hopes as strike off

Feb 26 2008 By Neil Elkes

UNION bosses and senior council officials were today preparing for detailed negotiations to resolve the authority's bitter pay row.

It follows the cancellation of today's planned strike by thousands of council workers.

Both sides have agreed to two weeks of intensive negotiations to strike a deal over a controversial new pay and grading system.

City chiefs have opened up the scope of discussions to consider all the areas of dispute, including the reduction in pay faced by 14 per cent of the city's 40,000 staff.

Council human resources chief Alan Rudge welcomed the agreement to suspend the industrial action for two weeks.

During that time intensive negotiations will be held before the unions meet with staff on March 12 to consult over further action.

Announcing the deal at the city's cabinet meeting, Coun Rudge (Con, Sutton Vesey), said: "It's good news that the discussions we have held have come out with something positive.

"Industrial action is not good for local governance, not good for the city and not good for the workforce."

He warned the unions that whatever pay scale is agreed will need to be affordable and comply with equality regulations.

The unions were equally quick to welcome the agreement.

Valerie Broom, Unison regional secretary, said: "Unison welcomes the opportunity to have meaningful negotiations on a future equality proofed, pay and grading structure for our members, employed by Birmingham City Council.

"It is important to note that the action has only been suspended.

"Should we fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion to this latest round of talks, we will not hesitate to resurrect appropriate industrial action,"j Ms Broom warned.

"Unison would like to thank the people of Birmingham for their support and patience during a difficult time."