Public sector pay row dragging on

Negotiations lasting more than seven months have failed to result in a pay agreement for Guernsey's public sector workers.

The dispute involves around 1000 States employees - including hospital porters, harbour attendants, road sweepers and sewage cart drivers.

A pay offer of 3% has been rejected by the union Unite. Its members want 3% plus the rate of inflation.

The matter has now been referred to the industrial disputes officer.

Talks between Unite and the Public Sector Remuneration committee began last December.

The committee said that after "intense negotiations" it had "reluctantly" decided to refer the issue on.

If the pay question cannot be resolved by the industrial disputes officer it will be passed on to an independent arbitrator or an industrial tribunal.

Workers have threatened industrial action if they do not get a pay deal they are happy with.

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