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

Senior Reward Consultant

Essex County Council
£60469.0000 - £71140.0000 per annum
Senior Reward ConsultantPermanent, Full Time£60,469.00 to £71,140.00 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Resources

Dartmoor National Park Authority
£71,288 - £77,905 per annum
Dartmoor National Park Authority is the body that oversees the vibrant, living, working landscape and communities of Dartmoor National Park. Devon
Recuriter: Dartmoor National Park Authority

Business Relationship Manager

Essex County Council
£62461 - £73483 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK. This vacancy England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Disabled Children's Service

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum
As a Social Worker within the Disabled Children’s Service, you will play a vital role in a supportive and experienced specialist team Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Children and Families Worker – Multi Agency Screening Team (MAST)

North Yorkshire Council
£32,578 - £35,570
You will work directly with children, young people, and their families. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner