Unions call for council pay to match other areas

The GMB union want Mayor Ros Jones to bring pay in line with other local authorities in the region

Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones is to meet with the GMB Union next month to begin discussions over pay restoration, union leaders have said.

The GMB have launched a campaign to have the City of Doncaster Council bring the salaries of its staff in line with rates paid by neighbouring authorities.

Sarah Barnes, a local GMB organiser, said: "This campaign is about fairness. Our members have carried this council through austerity, through Covid, and now through a cost-of-living crisis. They deserve to have what was taken from them restored."

Doncaster Council imposed pay cuts in 2012 which ranged between one and 2.5% for anyone paid over £14,733.

The GMB has stated its campaign to have 2012 salary cuts reversed is gaining pace and "more and more workers" are joining the union every day.

Union leaders have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Mayor Jones has agreed to meet them in September to begin discussions on GMB's demands.

The LDRS understands the GMB would like to have an agreement worked into the budget discussions beginning in December 2025.

Union members are calling on the long-term impact of the cuts to be reviewed, as well as for pay to be restored.

The GMB has revealed it will be raising a question at the next full council meeting in September regarding spending on agency staff.

It says the 2012 cuts have left council staff worse off year after year, especially with the cost of living continuing to rise.

Union leaders argue, while agency workers are being brought in at a premium cost, loyal council staff have yet to see their pay fully restored.

The LDRS has approached Mayor Jones' office to confirm the meeting with the GMB.

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