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

SEND Participation Engagement Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£40,404
You’ll also represent young people’s perspectives at service level meetings and champion robust safeguarding practices London (Greater)
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker, Young People with Disabilities (16 - 25)

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker, Young People with Disabilities (16 - 25) mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£36,124.00 to £51,834.00 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Housing Management

Redbridge London Borough Council
£89,037 to £92,538
You’ll enhance our emphasis on quality assurance and getting things ‘right first time’ – making better use of technology in our approach London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Local Taxation

Redbridge London Borough Council
£79,119 - £82,368
This is a key leadership role in the Council, with responsibility for the effective and efficient collection of business rates and council tax London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Vacancies across Essex

Essex County Council
Up to £13.46 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Vacancies across EssexPermanent, Term Time£13.46 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner