My update on Ofsted’s update on the pay dispute!!

I read management’s announcement on the Ofsted Intranet today "Update on pay dispute" and surprise, surprise – Ofsted are "disappointed" that UNISON and PCS are intending to hold a one day strike followed by an overtime ban!

What is so surprising about it Ofsted? Surely you must have known this was coming!

Ofsted say that they have "tried hard" to avoid the strike action and are "pleased" the FDA accepted the pay offer, and that it is "disappointing" that the trade union side could not reach a "collective agreement" over pay priorities.

Well, after reading the "update" and trying not to laugh my socks off, I have now calmed down …………somewhat!

I wonder how "hard" Ofsted have "tried" to avoid strike action, when it was Ofsted who freely chose to give some staff – in more senior grades – increases that are significantly above inflation! Whilst other staff, in less senior grades are having their salaries frozen for two years. No wonder FDA accepted the pay offer – why are you surprised Ofsted?

I also ask why are Ofsted "disappointed" that the trade union side could not reach a "collective agreement" over pay priorities. Ofsted, do you really think that your workforce are going to actually buy this statement! Ummm…let’s see….I will try and make it clearer to you Ofsted….just in case you don’t understand…..here goes:

A Fairy Story about valuing your workforce
Once upon a time, there was an organisation that belonged to the public sector. Public sector employers had been the subject of Government restrictions in what they could pay to their employees. So, this was no fault of Ofsted, they did not have a say in how much money they were given from the Treasury. (The treasury gives money to Ofsted, and Ofsted uses that to pay wages to its employees).

Ofsted were very disappointed that they could not secure more funding from the Treasury, but Ofsted’s workforce had faith in their organisation, and were absolutely sure that Ofsted would work with what they were given and would ensure that the monies were distributed wisely, equitably and fairly between its workforce.

However, this was not to be. A wicked spell was placed over the organisation, and instead of distributing its money fairly and equitably, the organisation decided to give senior grades higher increases – above the rate of inflation. Those senior grades were obviously very happy, but the other grades were not, because they were given significantly less, had their pay frozen, or where employees were given a rise - for half of them, - it amounted to 2% less at a time when the read cost of living was rising at 4%!

So the three trade unions in Ofsted got together and …FDA accepted the pay offer, as the majority of monies were given to senior grades who are represented by FDA…and UNISON and PCS (who represent the ground force – front line staff) rejected the pay offer as their members were the losers in the pay offer…………….. and Ofsted stated that they were "disappointed" that the trade unions could not reach a collective agreement!

And they all lived happily ever after……………………NOT!!!!!!!!!

Joking aside folks, Ofsted are now worried that the strike will damage its reputation and the services it provides. Please do not insult your workforce any further Ofsted – you have damaged your own reputation within this organisation. Your staff cannot trust you. Your staff work hard for you – giving everything they’ve got. They put up with extraordinarily high levels of stress, and extremely high levels of bullying, that have seriously affected people’s health.

The least……the very least that you could do Ofsted, is to ensure that you distribute monies fairly and equitably to your staff. You have chosen not to do that – so please do not try and lay a guilt trip on your loyal staff by making subtle hints about worrying about your reputation.

You have damaged your reputation all by yourselves Ofsted– you needed absolutely no help from your workforce!

See you all on Friday 16th – let our actions speak louder than Ofsted’s words!!!

This has been written by Roulla Xyrizos in my capacity as UNISON lay representative and Health and Safety Representative for London Ofsted UNISON members.