Unite has accused Aberdeen City Council of threatening workers with ‘fire and rehire’ proposals as part of an industrial dispute, a claim the council denies.
The union is balloting 700 workers, including administrative, waste, library, janitorial, craft, social work, and housing staff, over a proposed cut of two hours to 35-hours a week.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the council had put forward ‘incendiary fire and rehire plans’ which were ‘disgraceful’.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Dismissal and re-engagement has not been suggested by the council during any consultation, engagement or discussions that have been taking place.’
They added: ‘Whilst it is one possible lawful route to implementing a contractual change, the council would not consider dismissal and re-engagement without having exhausted all possible other routes.’
Unite also accused the Scottish Government of ‘ignoring’ the escalating dispute and demanded it intervene to remove the threat of ‘fire and rehire’.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said Holyrood had been ‘consistently clear’ in its opposition to ‘fire and rehire practices’.
‘We encourage continued consultation and meaningful dialogue between Aberdeen City Council, workers and their trade unions on this matter to reach a resolution.’
