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

Occupational Therapist

Durham County Council
Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 p.a (Post-progression) - Pay award pending.
The successful candidate will become part of a highly motivated and successful Occupational Therapy Service within County Durham. This post is perman Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Volunteer Development Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 (pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint a Volunteer Development Officer to join our busy North Pennines National Landscape team for 22 hours per week, initially on Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Technical and Support Officers

Durham County Council
£30,024 to £33,699 p.a. (Grade 7) Pay Award pending
Do you have a passion for improving services, solving problems and making the most of technology?  If so, we want to hear from you! We're seeking two Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Technician

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 (Pay award pending)
WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Are you passionate about live events, theatre, and bringing unforgettable experiences to life? We're looking for a Technician to Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Welfare Rights Officers

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9) Pay Award pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Durham County Council for two Welfare Rights Officers, on a two-year fixed term basis. WHAT IS INVOLVED? Th Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner