States CEO and Chief Minister meet union reps

Tuesday 15 January 2019

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré and States CEO Charlie Parker have met union leaders after tensions over pay exploded into widespread strike action today.

Vice Chairman of the States Employment Board (SEB) Constable Richard Buchanan and the States' Head of Employee Relations were also said to have attended the meeting with members of JCSA Prospect this afternoon.

The union was represented at the meeting by by UK-wide General Secretary Mike Clancy, as well as members of the Jersey branch, President Terry Renouf, Vice President Mick Robbins and Executive Officer Tom Quinn.

Pictured: JCSA Prospect's Terry Renouf and Mick Robbins.

The meeting comes after hundreds of medical staff and other States workers today picketed the hospital building and Cyril Le Marquand House before gathering in the Royal Square in protest at the government's proposed pay offer of 1% in 2018 and 2019, which they have blasted for not keeping pace with rises in the cost of living.

The dispute has been long-lasting, involving months of failed talks, hundreds of employees deciding to work to rule, and a two-hour protest in December, culminating in today's large-scale walkout and Royal Square rally.

Amid this pressure, however, the States have so far declined to alter their proposal, maintaining that there is "no more money".

Express understands that Prospect's Mike Clancy was hoping to help restart dialogue between the States and union members this afternoon, having facilitated similar discussions between government and public sector workers in the UK previously.

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