Pay and Reward Two years ago the Union signed a joint agreement with the Company (B194) which introduced Personal Salary Guides. This was obviously a break with tradition and we said then that they would take a while to settle in - we were right!

PSGs are used to help determine your salary - your manager has to take into account your PSG, as well considering your actual salary in relation to your PSG, when carrying out individual salary reviews. So you can see why they are important! That is why the Union has been insistent on not only managers receiving training on PSGs but for that training to be made available to Union reps too.

The training took place throughout the UK in February and March but we know from calls to Headquarters and feedback at Regional Meetings that some reps have not received the training. Reps missing out on training obviously has a knock on effect on members who approach reps as their first point of contact with a query or problem regarding their PSG.

Some members have also been in touch to say they they have been told by their line manager that their PSG cannot be moved, nor even reviewed. This is not the case! Your PSG must be reviewed and, obviously depending on the role you are carrying out, may be changed. It should, therefore, be made clear that, as set out in Joint Agreement B230 (17th February 2003):

• before allocating any pay increase the manager MUST review the individual's PSG devolved pay should be used to progress individuals towards their PSG
• if you have performed at a significantly higher level than that expected for your role, you should get a higher pay increase, this will depend on your position against your PSG
• any member who disagrees with their PSG has the right to challenge it
• you should, in the first instance, speak to your rep (who should have received their PSG training) and discuss the matter with your line manager.
• if agreement can't be reached, contact the Union for advice and support

Remember, PSGs matter - they affect not only pay but pensions too so if you are unhappy with yours you MUST appeal.