Laura Sharman Wednesday, July 27, 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

PA to Service Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways

Wakefield Council
£28,598.00 - £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours
Are you proactive, energised, and ready to thrive in a busy, varied working environment? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Lawyer

Wakefield Council
Grade 10 - Grade 12
Make law matter. Improve lives across the Wakefield District Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Team Manager - Child Exploitation and Missing Team

Wakefield Council
Grade 13 SCP 44 £57,770
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Executive Director of Children’s Services (DCS)

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
£149,000 – £175,000
This is a defi ning leadership opportunity in a borough with real momentum Stockport, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Director of Adults Commissioning and Provider Services

Trafford Council
£100,731 - £104,625
To help us realise this vision, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Adults Commissioning and Provider Services Trafford, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council
Linkedin Banner