AT/KLB 14 September 2012 Dear Member Re: Single Status Notification Letter

During the first week of October 2012, Wolverhampton City council intends informing its NJC (Green Book) employees of proposed changes to the current pay model and other terms and conditions. You will be notified by your line manager and given an information pack of how these changes will affect you personally. The proposals were approved by the councils Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 12 September 2012 in an exempt report.

UNISON HAS NOT AGREED THESE PROPOSALS

Indeed, prior to the Cabinet meeting UNISON wrote to Cabinet members (and all the other Labour Councillors in Wolverhampton) expressing our main concerns with the proposals such as The imposition of any 5 from 7 day working (including weekends in all contracts) The abolition of weekend working enhancements (time and a half/double time) The abolition of Essential Car User allowance (from April 2014) The high number of red circled (losing posts) which sits at 23.9% when the impact of reductions to terms and conditions is taken into consideration No protection on loss of earnings Reduction in other enhancements such as overtime rates etc. The cost of the scheme in the medium term and its effect on jobs and services. UNISON also told the Cabinet that it is doubtful that our national union will allow the branch to ballot our members on these proposals making a collective agreement unachievable. UNISON recognises that the majority of members will gain under the proposals and following a 3 year pay freeze any increase is to be welcomed. However, we believe further meaningful consultation will be necessary before a collective agreement can be reached (particularly as the council has not changed its negotiating position on some of the issues since talks began in April 2012). Continued/

If you are told your post will be downgraded you will have the right to appeal and can seek help and support from UNISON (01902 554096) with the appeal process. The Council has previously stated that if a collective agreement is not reached with UNISON they will seek individual agreements and/or dismiss and then re-instate employees on the new terms and conditions in preparation for an April 2013 imposition date, UNISON will offer advice on this if and when it happens. In the meantime consideration is being given by UNISON to the option of balloting for industrial action in order to secure a better deal for those members that will face substantial losses because of the proposals. We will of course keep you informed of further developments. Yours sincerely

Adrian Turner Branch Secretary

Sue Brealey Branch Chairperson

c.c. All UNISON Members (NJC) Wolverhampton City Council