Laura Sharman 27 July 2022

Council workers in Scotland vote for strike action

Council workers in Scotland vote for strike action image
Image: illMad / Shutterstock.com

Thousands of Scottish council workers have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of UNISON Scotland have voted to reject the 2% final pay offer from COSLA and take industrial action.

The trade union warned this will disrupt schools, early years centres, nurseries and waste and recycling centres across Scotland, and urged COSLA to make an improved offer when they meet on Friday.

Johanna Baxter, UNISON head of local government said: 'Council workers south of the border yesterday were offered a flat rate uplift of £1925, which for those on the lowest pay equates to a 10.5% increase. You have to wonder why council workers north of the border have only been offered a measly 2% increase when the cost of living continues to spiral.

'UNISON have been calling for a flat rate payment to help those on lower incomes. Most council workers earn less than £25k per year.

'It is clear now that local government workers have had enough and are prepared to strike in the coming weeks unless we see a sensible offer, from COSLA, on the table on Friday.'

UNISON said the vote had exceeded the required 50% turnout threshold in nine local authority branches.

Leader of Stirling Council, Chris Kane, warned: 'If councils cannot provide a decent level of pay, then we won’t be able to recruit or retain the staff needed to run local services and that would be a disaster for Stirling and the local services we value most.'

Employers in England have offered a flat rate pay rise of £1,925 to all council staff.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Skills Coordinator

Middlesbrough Council
£39,152 - £40,777
We have an exciting role on offer within our Community Learning service as an Adult Skills Coordinator. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Fleet & Workshop Manager (Transport Manager)

Fenland District Council
£46,142 - £51,356
Keep Fenland Moving Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Fenland District Council

Specialist Autism Teacher

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Teachers Main Professional Scale
Make a Difference for Children and Young People in Greenwich Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Housing Energy and Sustainability Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£63,966 to £67,575
The Royal Borough of Greenwich Repairs and Investment Service is looking for a strong and highly motivated Housing Energy and Sustainability Manager Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Sign Shop Technician

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary From £30225-334,389 Depending on Skills Kn
Job Title- Sign Shop Technician
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner