Unite agrees plumber pay rise

Unite has negotiated an above inflation pay agreement for plumbers. The offer covers all Unite (Amicus Section) members under the JIB Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services and is currently being considered. The offer is 4.5 per cent in 2008 and 4.5 per cent or retail price index, whichever is greater in 2009. John Allot from Amicus said: “We welcome this pay offer for one of the most highly skilled workforces in the UK economy. This offer to our plumbing members is above inflation and shows the bargaining power of a national agreement.” Also under the agreement, plumbers have to work fewer hours to quality for overtime. The proposed reduction for 2008 is from 43 to 41 hours and in 2009 from 41 to 39 hours. Amicus claimed this would increase weekly income for an advanced plumber working 37.5 hours by £21.75 per week from £483.00 to £504.75. This basic weekly income would increase to £527.63 in 2009. The same advanced plumber who works 42 hours (all before 8pm Monday to Friday) would see their weekly income increase from £540.96 in 2007 to £572.05 in 2008 and £612.06 in 2009.