EA in discussions with unions over ‘pay cuts’

In a letter sent to the environment secretary George Eustice on 11 August, the union says its members who work for the Agency are “appalled and angry” at the situation”, and urged Eustice to rectify it.

The Environment Agency told letrsrecycle.com today (26 August) that since the letter from the GMB Union, it has continued to meet with its four recognised trade unions, Unison, Prospect, GMB and Unite.

However, “it is bound by and remunerates its employees in line with standard public sector pay and pension policies”.

Review

In the government spending review of 2020, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced that public sector pay will be “paused” for 2021/22.

While staff on less than £24,000 will be given a £250 pay increase, the GMB says it will still be looking to speak with the government to demand a change in approach.

Pay cut

According to trade union GMB, the government has offered a £250 or 0% consolidated increase to Environment Agency officers, which with inflation at 3.9%, amounts to a “significant pay cut”.

It added that so far, Environment Agency have received a cumulative pay cut of over 20% since 2010.

As a result, the trade unions are seeking an “urgent meeting” with the environment secretary George Eustice to ensure that staff are “paid the fair amount they deserve”.

“Our members are appalled and angry that the government have capped their pay”

• Kevin Brandstatter, GMB national officer

‘Appalled’

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB national officer added: “Our members are appalled and angry that the government have capped their pay. It shows a new level of disregard and contempt for first responders in an emergency such as a flood, chemical fire, or major pollution incident.

“EA staff were on the frontline saving lives and property when rivers burst their banks multiple times over the last decade and, we can expect more of their sacrifices in the coming years given the ravages of climate change.

“The government must change its approach and provide funding to the EA to give everyone a pay rise”.