Colleagues,

Welcome to winter!

You will all be aware by now that the Pay Award for 2008 has been settled and I understand that the finance department are working to have it included in the December pay run. This will include money backdated to 1st September.

I have circulated my views on the Pay Award widely and thank all of you who have corresponded with me regarding your disgust and disappointment. I have voiced those views both locally and nationally.

However, I firmly believe that we must not dwell on what has been but drive forward with the other matters of importance which have been on the agenda of the Police Negotiating Board for some considerable time. Matters such as on-call, maternity and adoption issues and shift allowances to name a few. All issues which affect our members on a daily basis but over the past three years have been relegated to the back burner whilst pay is discussed and debated.

Locally we continue to negotiate and consult on local matters and your local representatives will be sharing those consultation documents with you for comment. Please take the time to consider and respond where you see fit - remember that the Joint Branch Board is only as strong as you its members.

You may be aware that Mr Strang was unable to return to work as he planned but we wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return in the New Year.

The Scottish Police Federation Annual Conference is fast approaching - please ensure that any motions you wish discussed are in the hands of you local representative by 10th November.

Regards

Jackie Muller
Secretary JBB