Tribunal could be way to resolve dispute

The union’s regional officer, Bob Lanning, said Wednesday’s strike was very well supported.

‘The message was very loud and clear, they are not willing to accept another pay cut,’ said Mr Lanning.

The States has offered employees across all sectors a 2.3% pay rise.

This was lower than the 2.9% cost of living at the end of December, which was what the union based its claim on.

Mr Lanning said there were calls for further action to be taken.

He said it had been explained to those present at a mass meeting that Guernsey does have a dispute process that could involve them agreeing to go to binding arbitration.

This would mean both parties would agree to submit their dispute to an impartial arbitrator who would have authority to decide a final award.

If they could not accept that they would be summoned before an industrial tribunal.

‘The workers were very very clear that they don’t accept third party intervention, the message was very clear they know they cannot afford to accept a below inflation pay rise and they don’t need someone else to tell them whether they can or can’t,’ Mr Lanning said.

‘A very brief discussion has been held with representatives from the States but the message is very clear they are not willing to bring anything new to the table and will instead be reliant on the Guernsey tribunal process to settle the issue.’

Mr Lanning said that Unite stated both before and after action that the union remains committed to being available for meaningful discussion should the employer agree to get around the table. Some Unite members are refusing to work overtime until Monday.