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

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer

Powys County Council
£90,347 – £98,135 per annum/y flwyddyn
We’re seeking an energetic, innovative, and inspirational leader to join our team at Powys County Council Powys
Recuriter: Powys County Council

Senior Business Development Officer (MaaS)

Essex County Council
£36341.0000 - £42754.0000 per annum
Senior Business Development Officer (MaaS)Fixed Term, 2-year contract with potential for extension Full Time, 37 hours per week£36,341 to £42,754 per England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Advisor (Events) - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £13.8000 per hour
Customer Advisor (Events) - Braintree District Council£13.80 PAYE / £17.67 Umbrella Braintree, EssexPart-Time, Temporary Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner