The leaders of several of Britain’s biggest unions, which are threatening to lead strikes against pay freezes, have received 10% pay rises and an array of perks for themselves.
Newly released union accounts reveal that several now have packages which exceed the £142,500 salary of the prime minister.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, saw his overall package rise by almost £10,000 to £155,034 in 2009. It includes £29,000 in pension contributions and £8,475 in travel and expenses.
The union is considering striking against Network Rail over planned cuts to rail maintenance workers.
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Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, has warned of a “strong possibility” of strike action against a two-year pay freeze. Her pay rose by £5,000 to £148,536, including a £27,096 pension contribution, according to the accounts for 2009.
Sally Hunt, head of the University and College Union, had a pay rise from £116,649 to £123,894. Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, who has also warned of potential strike action, has a pay package of £132,000, up £10,000. It includes a £9,000 car benefit.
Chris Keates, head of the NASUWT teaching union, saw her pay, pension and perks rise from £126,210 to £135,155, and Dr Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, was also awarded a £10,000 rise to £61,657.