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

Director of Highways, Waste and Environment

North Northamptonshire Council
£97,632 - £108,033 (subject to additional pay award)
North Northamptonshire is a place of scale, ambition and ongoing transformation. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Director of Public Health & Leisure

Brent Council
£135,000
Brent is brimming with ambition and opportunity. Brent, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Brent Council

Head of Property & Regeneration

Swansea Council
£88,633 - £100,994
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and experienced professional Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Strategic Director – Adults and Public Health

Ealing London Borough Council
£180k
We are looking for an ambitious, visible and collaborative leader who can help shape the future of adult social care Ealing, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Service Directors - Inclusive Education, Family Help and Skills

Shropshire Council
£107k - £112k
Over recent months, we’ve moved from announcing a financial emergency into a period of recovery. Shropshire
Recuriter: Shropshire Council
Linkedin Banner