Laura Sharman 09 November 2018

Council pay offer rejected as union moves towards strike action

The 3% pay offer for council workers in Scotland has been rejected by members of Unison Scotland.

The ballot saw 79% of members voting in favour of rejecting the offer, which was made to all staff earning up to £80,000. Seven out of ten members (67%) also voted to take industrial action.

Johanna Baxter, head of local government (bargaining) at the union, said: 'What this result demonstrates is a real anger and frustration amongst Unison members at the lack of action by CoSLA and the Scottish government to address the serious issue of low pay in local government.

'Unison will talk to other local government trade unions on Friday to discuss further action and we will inform employers of the ballot results then.

'As the Scottish government prepare their budget we will put further pressure on them to make more money available to fund a decent pay rise for local government staff. Local government workers have endured a decade of real-terms pay cuts, and they have now simply had enough.'

In response, COSLA's resources spokesperson, Cllr Gail Macgregor said: 'Obviously my first reaction is one of disappointment at the outcome of the ballot. We value our workforce and our 3% offer matches other offers within the public sector in Scotland. However, whilst disappointed, we as employers look forward to discussing this with UNISON at our joint meeting today.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Principal Enforcement Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356
Make your next move a permitted development. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Family Worker (Link Role)

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Fixed Term, Full Time£33,049 up to £37, 698 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£51,356 to £56,494 (Pay award pending)
We are looking for two enthusiastic, hardworking lawyers to take on leadership roles within our Litigation and Housing Team. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Senior Policy Planner - Maldon District Council

Essex County Council
Negotiable
Please click here to view the full responsibilities and accountabilities of the Senior Policy Planner role.Maldon District Council is working in partn England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner