Councillor John Montgomery - NDBC Craft Employee

While inflation in November was pushing 2%, Council awarded its craft employees a pay rise of 1% effectively a pay reduction. These are the folks who were at the spade end of awards such as RHS Britain in Bloom Silver Gilt award, a magnificent achievement in this national award. Not to mention first place in 2009 Translink 'Ulster in Bloom’ Competition for large town category.
I am assured this 1% award was approved by the relevant union. Such decisions are usually made by some well heeled individuals for whom a static or reduced pay scheme would have little effect given their elevated salary status. For the lower paid, perhaps struggling or near benefit, the effect is proportionally larger and at best de-motivating. Many will see this NJC pay scale as a device to keep the wages of low paid low.
Throughout the recent economic turmoil the labour government has been seen to spend billions in bailing out the banks, the low paid ask when will it be their turn perhaps watching with interest the pay awards in other areas.