Unite urges members to reject MoD pay offer, citing inflation concerns

Unite the Union is urging its Ministry of Defence members to reject a recent pay offer as they enter a consultative ballot, citing concerns about the effect of inflation in relation to the wage increase.

The offer presented includes a three-year pay deal which will be worth 12.85% over that period and a series of non-consolidated one-off payments in each year for those closest to their maxima.

“The funding for the award will come from a combination of existing budgeted MoD funding 5.5% and 7.35% from savings generated by MoD staff accepting significant changes to overtime payments and other terms and conditions of employment,” the union said in a statement.

“Unite is concerned that when considering inflation estimates this will result in a further real-terms pay cut for all staff across the three years of the award when you consider the austerity pay increases that have been driven by the UK across the last decade.”

“Staff who regularly work overtime are likely to be affected more harshly as the MoD wishes to introduce a policy of critical and non-critical overtime.”

“Furthermore, reductions to annual leave are also proposed by reducing annual leave from 31.5 days to 30 days as well as reducing sick pay entitlement.”

“Allowances are also negatively affected concerning supervisory, deputising and responsibility allowances will be replaced and restructured.”

“However proposals have been received about expanding the special leave policy and increases to occupational paternity pay to six weeks.”

“This proposal has been made to the whole of the MoD to include the MoD in Gibraltar.”

Sam Hennessy, Regional Officer for Unite in Gibraltar, said that along with other unions involved in these negotiations, Unite is recommending that its members reject the current offer being presented.

“Acceptance of this offer at this time will mean real-terms pay cuts for members due to the current rate of inflation,” Mr Hennessy said.

“Furthermore, the changes to terms and conditions represent other potential losses that members would experience for many years to come.”

“At this moment in time members have received a consultative ballot to either be willing to accept or reject the offer.”