Pay 2021: Ballot outcome

Pay 2021: Members back new deal – but some concerns remain

• Despite a clear vote in favour, vocal minority opposed the settlement.
• Union concerns about low poll and lack of colleague engagement.
• National Committee to meet to address workers’ concerns.

Unite members have voted overwhelmingly to support the banks pay proposal for 2020 following an on-line survey.

Survey result

78% of those who participated in the on-line poll backed the recommendation of the NatWest National Company Committee of Unite and endorsed the new pay deal. However 14% of those surveyed rejected the offer with 8% of members remaining undecided.

The union has now communicated the result to the bank and the employer will continue with the implementation of the pay process and be communicating further with staff directly.

Unite comment

Despite backing the pay offer, a sizeable minority of those who participated in our members’ survey were not prepared to support the 2021 deal. In addition, the union is concerned that the relatively low turnout by members, reflects a wider detachment by NatWest colleagues from the annual pay process.

The result and turnout mirror the views expressed to Unite representatives by members and colleagues that many of the bank’s employees are still struggling to make ends meet. Furthermore, the failure to actively engage with those employees to whom an annual increase matters most, only compounds the sense of disengagement and a feeling of being disenfranchised – of being left behind. Unite will continue to reflect these legitimate concerns in our dealings with NatWest Group.

Let us hear from you

What do you think about the pay offer from NatWest and the results of the members’ survey?

Our representatives welcome any and all feedback from members (good as well as bad) and we will continue to hold the bank to account and raise all your comments and concerns.

Members can contact the Unite information point at rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org.