Barnet Council depot workers near strike over holiday pay
Workers rejected a second offer and have given the council until October 9 to improve it.
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Barnet Council depot workers are nearing potential strike action following the unresolved dispute over underpaid holiday pay. The workers, who handle waste, recycling, and street cleansing, rejected a second offer from the council for 18 months of back payments. This rejection brings them closer to balloting for industrial action.
Background to the dispute
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The issue began approximately one year ago when council employees noticed a new holiday pay element on their payslips. This change followed Barnet Council's switch from payroll provider Capita to Liberata. The new provider began paying holiday pay to staff who regularly worked overtime, revealing that Capita had not made these payments for the twelve years since the relevant legislation was enacted.
Unison's Barnet branch took up the case after workers inquired about the missed payments and potential repayment. The council's initial offer was six months' backpay as a 'goodwill payment', which workers rejected in an August consultative ballot. The council stated it could not afford more at that time.
Second offer rejected
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On September 21, the council presented a revised offer of 18 months' backpay. A week-long consultative ballot saw over 90% of workers reject this second proposal. John Burgess, Barnet Unison branch secretary, told Barnet Post that workers felt insulted by the offer. He stated that the workers are seeking six years of backpay, suggesting payment in instalments, and emphasise they are asking for what they are owed for work performed.
Unison Barnet and its members have given Barnet Council until Friday, October 9, to present a more acceptable offer. Failure to do so will result in the union declaring a dispute, potentially leading to strike ballots in November and industrial action in December. Workers also have outstanding questions regarding the council's awareness of the payment errors and any investigation into past payroll arrangements.
Burgess commented on the council's management of the Capita contract, stating it had been poorly handled under both Conservative and Labour administrations. He questioned if the council was hesitant to seek funds from Capita.
A spokesperson for Capita previously stated to Barnet Post that their payroll services were provided in accordance with the council's policies and contract terms. At the time, a council spokesperson indicated discussions were underway with Capita regarding the situation's origin.
Council response
Simon Radford, Labour's cabinet member for finance, expressed empathy for the workers' situation. He acknowledged the unions' role in representing workers and highlighted that the current issues stemmed from an ineffective previous contract. Radford stated that the council is committed to addressing legacy issues while ensuring future service provision is not compromised. He added that he and his colleagues are willing to find a solution.
Responding to Radford's comments, Burgess indicated a willingness to engage with him, expressing hope that the matter could be resolved without the need for industrial action, particularly during the Christmas period.
Questions this report answers
+Why are Barnet Council depot workers considering strike action?
Depot workers are considering strike action due to an ongoing dispute over underpaid holiday pay. They believe that for twelve years, since legislation was passed, holiday pay for regular overtime has not been correctly calculated or paid by the council's former payroll provider, Capita.
+What offers has Barnet Council made, and have they been accepted?
Barnet Council first offered six months' backpay, which was rejected by workers. A second offer of 18 months' backpay was also rejected in a consultative ballot. Workers are seeking six years of backpay.
+What is the deadline for Barnet Council to make a new offer?
Barnet Unison and the depot workers have given Barnet Council until Friday, October 9, to present a better offer. If a satisfactory offer is not made by this date, the union plans to declare a dispute and may proceed to a strike ballot.
+What has the council said about the situation?
Simon Radford, Labour's cabinet member for finance, expressed empathy for the workers and a willingness to find a solution. He acknowledged past contract issues and stated that the council wants to address legacy problems while ensuring future services are not hampered.
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