Job cut claims to fund deal rejected
A union leader is defending a 2.2% pay rise for government workers, and dismissed claims it may have to be paid for through job cuts.
The rise for 3,300 civil servants and manual public workers was announced a week ago - the day after the general election - and will also apply to newly-elected MHKs.
The pay award was agreed in binding arbitration - after unions rejected the government's 1% offer, and asked for 4.4%.
Public Services Commission chairman John Shimmin says the award will have to met from existing departmental budgets - and warns that could mean some people losing their job.
Negotiations officer for Prospect Angela Moffatt says the rise is both fair and deserved - as members have sacrificed earnings long-term by accepting pension changes and agreeing new terms and conditions.
She says workers have already done their bit to help government finances:
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