Care workers at Scotland’s largest council have gone on a two-day strike over changes to pay and conditions.
Trade union Unison said its members were striking after they failed to reach an agreement with Glasgow City Council over new shift patterns. It said the changes will lead to pay cuts of up to 7% for those working in residential homes.
Unison City of Glasgow branch secretary, Brian Smith, said: ‘These changes will affect the vulnerable people our members care for. The lowest-paid staff are being asked to take on new tasks like dispensing medicines - and at the same time they are being forced to work longer shifts and to accept massive pay cuts.
‘We are concerned increasing shifts to 12 and a half hours - and reducing staff/resident ratios at night - will undermine the standard of care that we can provide.
‘Our residents have complex needs and caring is a demanding job. We must maintain a competent and confident workforce who can give the care our residents deserve.’
The union said the new shift patterns could see the wages cut of 182 staff by up to £1,495 per year.
