I think this is what their reasoning is:
On 14 August 2023, the Defendant's Director of Industrial Relations, Lisa Belsham, issued official correspondence to clarify the position in respect of the cut-off date for eligibility for backpay, stating inter alia:
"I know many of you have been contacted by ex-employees and / or union representatives on the matter of back pay. We have now met with representatives of the three trade unions and confirmed the following position:
- Back Pay will be processed or any person covered by the General Grades uplift who was employed in the organisation on / after 01 January 2023. It will be normal arrears from 1 January 2022 to the date of leaving.
- Leavers during 2022 will not get back pay, as the dispute was still in play by all three unions.
- Back Pay will only be paid to 'good leavers' - so we will exclude any employee who was dismissed or those who resigned prior to a disciplinary.
HRSS have been notified and will now start progressing the payments. They will also notify the Helpdesk" (Emphasis in original).
This is as far as I can see their Defence for not paying.
My question is was it just a meeting and there is no actual written paper chain, Im sure that if the Unions actually agreed to this there would be a paper chain.
and Why would the unions agree to this?
Does anyone know / find out?