Decision details

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which outlined the financial implications and sought approval for the funding mechanism that would facilitate a Collective Agreement being secured with Trade Unions regarding the implementation of a 35-hour working week.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note that Heads of Terms have been agreed between management and the Trade Unions that incorporates a Buyout clause;

(b)      approve the hierarchy of funding sources to be used to fund the Buyout cost included in the Heads of Terms, see Section 4.7;

(c)      approve the use of the earmarked reserves to fund the Buyout up to the total cost over the two financial years, 2025/26 and 2026/27.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Malik, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)    agree the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)    agree that the SNP have at long last capitulated to Aberdeen Labour who said at the budget meeting and at the special council meeting on 2nd April 2025 that we could show the SNP how we would ensure money was available to stop Fire and Rehire;

(3)    agree to thank the Trade Unions for their endeavours in making this deal happen;

(4)    agree this is a complete embarrassment for the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee and the Council Leader who proposed to take no action at the special Council meeting after requesting the removal of employees from the Chamber but keeping in the Lord Dean of Guild; and

(5)    agree that should the Trade Unions, following consultation with their members on this proposal, not be in a position to enter into a collective agreement, that the recommended funding envelope should be used in further discussions to ensure Fire and Rehire is no longer an option.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (7) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Brooks, Cooke, Farquhar, Greig and Henrickson; for the amendment (2) Councillors Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.