Pay 2018: Negotiations update

Pay 2018 Campaign Archive

As negotiations towards a solution for Pay 2018 progressed, the Unite team shared an update with members. You’ll notice that the figures in the Unite pay claim are extremely modest. This is an indicator of how low pay was in previous years and also takes into account that the business had been reporting monumentally large losses for almost a decade up to this point. You’ll also notice that age old position from the bank that they believe that their offer is competitive and fair. Some things never change!

This newsletter was first published in December 2017.

Pay negotiations update

Bank claim a range of factors (business performance, ability to recruit and wage growth, etc.) influence their pay proposals.
RBS continue to focus on costs.
Employer believes current market pay approach is fair and appropriate.

Union negotiators met with representatives of RBS recently to receive the employer’s response to Unite’s call for a ‘fair deal’ on pay.

Unite claim: a reminder

The union has previously tabled and outlined its arguments to the bank over the following claim for 2018:

An increase of £25 per week or 5% (whichever is the greater)-pro rata for part-time employees.
Increases to apply to all staff irrespective of market position or performance rating.
General awards aimed to support all workers and their familiesRBS Responds.

RBS responds

Bank representatives highlighted a range of factors that influence their approach to pay. They acknowledged the challenging economic environment that employees found themselves in, which is also true for employers. In preparation for negotiations with the trade union, they had reflected on their pay philosophy and concluded that it remained the right approach for their business. RBS maintained that it hoped to achieve a negotiated settlement with the trade union and its members.

Next steps

The trade union’s negotiating team will now present a report of the negotiations to Unite’s National Company Committee who will agree the next course of action in the union’s pay campaign.

Any concluding offer from the employer will be referred to Unite members in RBS to have the final say on a pay deal.

What are your views on pay? Do you believe you are rewarded fairly?

If Unite members have any immediate comments, they should contact their local union representative in the first instance. Members can also contact the Unite RBS information point at rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org.

Unite representatives

The union is always seeking members to take on one of the four Unite Representative Roles i.e. Workplace, Union Learning, Safety and Equality. If Unite members are interested in finding out more about becoming a Unite Representative please contact the Unite RBS Helpline or e-mail rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org.

Unite RBS Updates & Update Your Details

If you would like to receive regular updates electronically from the union and have not already advised us, please email from your preferred email address to rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org.

It is also important that members ensure that their membership details are up to date and accurate (e.g. home address, work address, whether you are full time or part time etc.) If you believe that your membership details are out of date, please also e-mail the above address or alternatively you can contact your local union office or log onto ‘My Unite’ at the website www.unitetheunion.org where you can update your own details.

Not a Member?

RBS employees who are not already members of Unite are urged to join now. Join Unite’s 1.4 million members and have a voice on this and other issues, as well as receiving support, advice and representation. Membership forms can be obtained by emailing rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org plus you can join online at www.unitetheunion.org.