GMB Union members at the City of London Corporation, working in roles from the Guildhall to Hampstead Heath, have rejected a pay offer from the authority. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the deal included a 3.5% increase on basic pay, a 3.5% increase on London Weighting (LW) subject to future consolidation into base salary, and a revised implementation date of April 2027 for future cost of living awards.
Union concerns over London Weighting consolidation
Anna Lee, GMB Regional Organiser, said the offer “fell short” of what the union and its members expected. The GMB fears that incorporating LW into basic pay could lead to smaller future pay rises, as LW would no longer be negotiated separately. The union is pushing for an offer closer to its original claim of Retail Price Index (RPI) plus 2% on both basic pay and LW.
There are more than 1,000 GMB members at the Corporation, working at locations including the Barbican, Tower Bridge, and the Port of London Authority. The union and Corporation have been in negotiations, with any deal backdated to July 1.
Corporation defends offer as fair
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said the offer “represents a fair, above inflation pay increase” designed to support staff while ensuring financial sustainability. They expressed disappointment at the rejection, noting that another trade union had accepted the offer. The spokesperson added that the Corporation remains committed to seeking a solution.
While the offer has been refused, the LDRS has been told there is no immediate threat of strike action, though it has not been ruled out if an improved offer is not forthcoming. Ms Lee stated: “Our priority in any pay negotiations is to get the best possible deal for our members. We felt this offer fell short, as did our members who have voted to reject it. We now await an improved offer from the City of London.”
