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

Senior CIL and S106 Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary From £42,081-£57,837 Depending on skills,
Job Title-Senior CIL and S106 ... Wandsworth, London, United Kingdom
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

CIL S106 Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary From £38,841- £48,789 Depending on skills
Job Title- CIL and S106 Office... Wandsworth, London, United Kingdom
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Adults Social Worker - South Essex (Expression of Interest)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in South England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Multimedia Officer (Digital)

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (pro rata)
An opportunity has arisen for a part-time Multimedia Officer (Digital) in the Communications, Marketing and Design team.   This part-time role is for Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager (WET)

Durham County Council
£31,015 - £34,811
We have an opportunity for a full-time permanent Duty Manager at Chester le Street  Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner