Unions gain better offer for council craft workers

Construction union UCATT and craft union Amicus have negotiated an improved pay offer for craft workers employed by local authorities in England and Wales.

The new offer does not improve on the pay increase in the first package offered to the workers - including bricklayers, plasterers, painters, plumbers and electricians. This remains at 2.75% for 2004, 2.95% for 2005 and 2.95% (or the level of the RPI, if this is higher) for 2006.

However, it will deliver a 133% increase over two years in the tool allowance, which UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie estimated would add approximately 1.5% to the pay deal.

"We have also managed to secure a promise of a better deal for apprentices, and there will be an agreed protocol on the use by councils of agency labour," said Ritchie. "We are delighted that we have protected the 'Red Book' agreement so that craft workers are treated separately from other town-hall staff, and there will be movement on the paying of salaries under the umbrella of the craft agreement - something we have wanted for some time."