William Eichler 18 March 2021

COSLA pay offer ‘slap in the face’, union says

COSLA pay offer ‘slap in the face’, union says image

Unison has accused the body representing local authorities in Scotland of making a pay offer that ‘falls far short’ of what local government workers deserve.

The trade union says the offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) would result in an increase of less than £10 per week for those on the lowest pay.

According to Unison, the pay offer does little to address issues of low pay which have become ‘endemic following a decade of austerity.’

A COSLA spokesperson said that negotiations with the trade union were ongoing.

‘COSLA has been quick to praise our members for their efforts during this pandemic yet have presented our members with a dismal pay offer,’ said Mark Ferguson, chair of Unison Scotland’s local government committee.

‘Our members have gone above and beyond to provide the services we have all relied on during this pandemic, the least they deserve is to be paid fairly. This offer is a slap in the face to our dedicated local government workforce.’

Johanna Baxter, Unison Scotland’s head of local government, said: ‘This offer amounts to less than £10 per week for those on the lowest pay and fails to address the impact of years of austerity where wages have fallen significantly behind inflation. Given how much we have relied on these workers over the past 12 months and the sacrifices they have made to keep us all safe they deserve better.

‘The moral and economic imperatives for providing these workers with a substantial pay increase are overwhelming. There is no better way to stimulate our economic recovery than putting money into the pockets of low-paid workers.

‘Our message to politicians is clear – warm words and claps don’t pay the bills. Stop treating local government workers like the poor relations of the public sector and fund a decent increase.’

Responding to Unison, a spokesperson for the local government body said: ‘COSLA remains in proactive negotiations with our trade unions.’

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner