Construction union UCATT and the other unions representing local government craftworkers (JNC Red Book Agreement) have reluctantly accepted the tabled pay offer for 2009/2010 to ensure workers receive the backdated pay increase in time for Christmas.

The majority of pay grades will receive a 1% pay increase with the lowest pay grade (building labourer) receiving a 1.25% increase.

However although the unions have accepted the main pay element of the pay claim they are still pursuing an additional 0.3% pay increase paid to 'Green Book' local government workers in 2008/9, which craftworkers did not receive.

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The joint unions also remain fully committed to defending any further attacks by the employers on the JNC agreement.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: "UCATT have reluctantly accepted this year's pay offer. Local government craftworkers, are finding it difficult to make ends meet in these difficult economic times and simply can't afford a further delay in receiving a desperately needed pay increase. However highly dedicated skilled craftworkers will not accept such low pay offers in the future.

"The local government employers need to start treating craftworkers with greater respect and give them proper recognition for their contribution to society, rather than attacking the terms, conditions and the agreement under which they work."

(CD/BMcc)