GMB members working in local government, councils, schools and academies, and whose pay, terms and conditions are governed by the National Joint Council, are taking part in the biggest GMB pay ballot of the year, as balloting opened today (1 September).

We’re calling on GMB members to have their say on pay. From school support staff to refuse workers, from town hall workers to social workers. Hundreds of occupations are involved in the ballot - in excess of one million workers.

GMB expressed its dismay at the opening offer of 1.5% tabled earlier this year. The employer’s side has since made and increased offer of 1.75% - but this falls far short of our expectations, and the GMB joint Local Government and Schools Committee Representatives are recommending that members vote to reject the offer.

Ballot information has been dispatched and we are asking members to check their inbox, SMS and post (depending on their communication preference) to ensure they take part in the ballot. We are advising members that if they haven’t received their voting information by the 15 September to speak to their onsite rep or contact GMB direct.

GMB reps working in local government, councils, schools, and academies are going to be key in getting the vote out in this crucial ballot. We need you to help build bargaining power in your workplace so please use our campaign resources to promote voting and to get your members involved.

Desiree Wilburn, GMB Senior Organiser for the Public Services Section, said: “It’s crucial GMB members have their say on pay and take part in this important ballot. What happens next will be up to the membership, but we need to ensure that we take the opportunity during the balloting period to build bargaining power across all our workplaces.”