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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Senior Technician - Highway Inspector

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 - £31,015
You will join a team in undertaking inspections of the highway network and provide practical technical support North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Senior Traffic and Road Safety Technician

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 £31,015.00
You’ll work with colleagues to bring practical technical experience to a wide range of traffic and road safety issues North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Independent Living Assessor - 1 Year Fixed Term

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support people to live with dignity, choice and independence At Kensington and Chelsea, we're all in - making sure every resident gets the care, support and respect they need to live as independently as possible. England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Part Time Business Support Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + Full Time Equivalent
Part Time Business Support AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner