Unions have called on Staffordshire County Council to apologise over pay review letters that were sent to staff. The council has been carrying out a jobs evaluation of nearly 28,000 contracts under national guidelines.
It sent letters a week ago outlining how the proposals would affect pay, which has angered many staff members.
Unions said they had not agreed to the plans including pay cuts for 25% of staff. The council said this was a starting point for negotiations.
Unison, the Transport and General Workers' Union and GMB released a joint statement which criticised the council.
It called on the council to apologise for sending out the letter before a pay model had been agreed with unions, undertake to continue negotiations with unions and provide in writing the council's financial situation.
The pay review letters have prompted council IT staff to set up a "save our salaries" website to allow workers to air their views.
The online forum has received hundreds of submissions, with most critical of the pay review.
Talks continuing
In a statement, the council said the proposals would see 45% of employees getting a salary increase, 30% remaining the same, and 25% having their pay cut.
It said there would be a three-year payment protection package for staff receiving pay cuts.
"This is the starting point and everything is still yet to be negotiated and very subject to change, based on what our employees and the unions communicate to us during this consultation period.
"This is far from a done deal," the statement said.
Talks are continuing between unions and council bosses.
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This is far from a done deal
