w4mp | representation

It's 05 July 2008

TGWU Parliamentary Staff Branch
Pay Up Campaign

Added: 11 October 2006

T&G CAMPAIGN FOR THE AUTOMATIC UPRATING OF STAFF SALARIES

A major campaign to secure the up-rating of staff salaries in line with the MPs’ Staffing Allowance is being launched this session by the T&G’s Parliamentary Staff Branch.

The MPs’ Staffing Allowance is up-rated annually in line with the Average Earnings Index. This is agreed by the Advisory Panel on Members' Allowances and comes into effect in April each year.

But the amount that staff receive remains at the discretion of each individual MP and the majority of staff do not receive the full amount, even though this provides only a basic cost of living increase. You may want to check your increase – in April 2006, the Staffing Allowance rose by 3.8%.

In recent years, the branch has argued successfully that the Staffing Allowance should be both higher and ring fenced for staffing costs. Only 10% can now be spent on office costs (Incidental Expenses Provision) so many MPs are simply under-spending.

SEVEN REASONS TO SUPPORT PAY UP!

Most staff and some MPs find the annual individual discussion about pay uncomfortable and a diversion from the needs of the office. Some MPs do not even consult their staff about the uplift.
Salaries are up-rated in line with the Average Earnings Index in order for the salaries to remain competitive with others’ wages and allow for increases in the cost of living. We should be able to work for MPs without a salary sacrifice.
If salaries remain competitive, loyal, experienced and hardworking staff will be more likely to stay, with higher morale, and can afford to stay.
The pay rates within the grading structure are revised annually on this basis for new staff, so it is grossly unfair that existing staff have no right to receive the uplift and their wages fall in value relative to the grades for new staff.
MPs should not compete with each other on low staffing costs. A more honourable route would be to sacrifice their own salary, not that of their staff!
Some MPs may want to pay more. We say that pay should be up-rated in line with the Staffing Allowance as a minimum. If MPs choose to pay more, they can.
Some MPs may want to pay less for 'unsatisfactory performance'. The fair and constructive way to deal with performance issues is by discussion and if necessary, through a disciplinary procedure where staff have the right to give views and be represented.

NEXT STEPS

The T&G is inviting all staff, working for MPs across all political parties, to get involved in our campaign.

We are approaching different staff groups and organisations to enlist their help.

As the new session begins, the branch will be undertaking a postcard campaign from staff to the Advisory Panel on Members’ Allowances.

We will be asking for the opportunity to discuss the campaign with both the Advisory Panel on Members’ Allowances and the Senior Staff Salaries Review Board.

We will be writing to all MPs and staff to ask them to support the campaign and ask them to sign up to the following statement:
“I support the campaign to achieve an automatic increase in the pay of MPs' staff in line with the annual Average Earnings Index increase in the Staffing Allowance, as set by the Advisory Panel on Members' Allowances”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join the T&G and get involved in your union branch! The more members we have, across all parties, the more we can achieve together. Attend the next branch meeting and input your ideas. Application forms are available from Branch contacts (below).

Send our postcard off to the Advisory Panel on Members Allowances

Help us stuff and distribute leaflets and letters. This is a massive job and we need help.

Talk to your colleagues about the campaign. Raise it in any staff groups you are involved in. Become a contact person for the campaign in your area and get together with other staff in your building / floor to encourage others.

Talk to your Member! Make sure they see the Branch's letter. Ask them to sign the statement!
Let us know how you get on!

CONTACT DETAILS

The T&G Parliamentary Branch represents MPs’ staff based at Westminster and in the constituencies. We welcome staff of all parliamentary parties to join and get involved. The Branch campaigns for improvements in staff terms and conditions by making sure the collective voice of staff is heard as well as providing support and representation for members with problems at work.

Kevin Flack (Secretary) 02072196273 Norman Shaw S. flackk@parliament.uk

Joanne Milligan (Chair) 02072192779 Portcullis House milliganj@parliament.uk

Stuart Watkins (Treasurer) 02072198667 Norman Shaw N. watkins@parliament.uk

Anne Humbles (Social Sec.) 02072196368 Norman Shaw N. humblesa@parliament.uk

Max Freedman (Membership) 0207 2195989 Norman Shaw N. freedmanm@parliament.uk