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

Executive Director - Growth

Warrington Borough Council
£143,662 per annum
We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Executive Director of Growth to join us as Warrington Warrington, Cheshire
Recuriter: Warrington Borough Council

Executive Director - Transformation and Improvement

Warrington Borough Council
£143,662 per annum
Warrington Borough Council is currently delivering a significant programme of recovery and transformation Warrington, Cheshire
Recuriter: Warrington Borough Council

Registration Service Advisor

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Registration Service AdvisorFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Pre-school / Nursery Assistant (term time only)

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Pre-school / Nursery Assistant (term time only)Permanent, Part Time£25,959 Per Annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Leader – Traffic Network Management

Hounslow London Borough Council
£52,194 – £57,402
We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner