Unions in further council talks as workers consider strike action
Bay binmen have already asked their union to start the strike process in protest at proposed pay cuts.
They are angry at being expected to lose around £1,000 a year as a result of the council's job evaluation process to meet national equal pay laws.
Following a meeting at the Yalberton depot in Paignton, GMB regional organiser Stuart Fegan had said that although industrial action is not the preferred option, members wanted the official procedure to begin while talks continue with the council.
He said talks about the binmen's dispute had taken place with council officials yesterday.
"We have had meetings and more are going on today," he said.
"We are seeking to resolve the binmen's dispute, but there are workers in other areas of the council who are equally unhappy and are possibly considering action.
"We have concerns about the financing of the scheme and whether the amount put in the pot was sufficient.
"We could be talking a shortfall of more than £1million.
"The extra money would probably not save all staff from pay cuts, but would possibly give them longer pay protection than until June 30."
The GMB, which now represents around 600 council and school staff, has referred the outcome of the evaluation to its head office for analysis and review as well as taking legal advice to see whether the Torbay scheme is broadly in line with others in the UK.
This would depend on a number of factors which could include the funding, the length of pay protection and the impact on staff equality, said Mr Fagan. The result is not expected to be known for some weeks.
If the scheme is considered to be in line with other areas, the union proposes to put the matter to a ballot to see whether members would agree to a collective agreement being signed.
The council has said the offer of three months additional pay protection is its 'final position'.
In a letter to the unions GMB, Unison and Unite, chief executive Elizabeth Raikes said while they are committed to collective negotiations, the unions may feel it is ruled out because of their concerns over funding and timing.
She said because of timescales, the council may have to consider 'termination and re-employment'.
"I hope that will not be required," she states.
Mr Fegan has told members if the council did go down that road, it would in effect mean after 90 days' consultation, the council would dismiss and re-employ members on a new contract.
He said in a letter to staff this might leave the council open to challenges at the Employment Tribunal and the union would support members.
A meeting of the Torbay General branch of the GMB this week discussed the council's response.
The committee agreed collective agreements were preferable to giving staff what they called a 'Hobson's Choice' of a 'take it or leave it' pay cut.
The branch is seeking the support of the Torbay and District Trades Union Council in any further action.
