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

Complaints Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £130.0000 per day
Complaints Officer - Harlow CouncilLocation, HarlowFull time, Temporary 6 Months Contract £101.37 PAYE / £130.00 Umbrella - daily rate Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Community Engagement Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£30,024 - £32,061
Do you want to play a key role in building stronger, healthier, and more cohesive and connected communities? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Community Administration Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£26,824 - £28,598 (PRO RATA)
We are looking for a Community Administration Assistant to join our Leisure, Healthy Lifestyles & Communities team. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Contact Centre Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,185 - £26,403 (pro rata)
Our Contact Centre is looking to recruit a permanent member of staff to join our busy and customer-focused Contact Centre team. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Customer Insight and Complaints Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£37,280-£41,771
Excellent opportunity has become available for a Customer Insight & Complaints Officer Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner