29 March 2011

BPIF support package for company wage negotiations now available for download

Following decades of national bargaining, the BPIF again consulted with its members in 2011 over a national pay negotiation though an online survey conducted in December and January. The results of this survey were that the negotiating team, made up of member company and BPIF representatives, were given a mandate to not negotiate a national increase with Unite. As companies are now free to make their own arrangements for pay and conditions at local level, the BPIF have prepared a full set of guide notes to assist members who enter into this process.

These can be found at:  
http://www.britishprint.com/wagenegotiations

Just over half (53%) of the 15% of member companies who responded to the online survey stated that they were unwilling to enter into national negotiations - the process also takes into account that the majority of regional boards who had also been opposed to conducting any national negotiations again this year.

Whilst Unite accepted that the industry is continuing facing extreme trading difficulties, they believe that some companies can afford pay increases at this time and will be supporting claims they feel are valid. BPIF advisers are fully able to assist member companies to take appropriate actions (which may include a pay freeze) as has been done throughout the past year.  Members should contact their regional office for advice and support, particularly if they are presented with claims at company level for improvements in pay and /or conditions. As in 2009 and 2010, we shall continue to track any movements in pay levels in the industry, and this information will also be available through regional offices.