Martin Ford 24 August 2021

Scottish union to hold nationwide strike ballot

Scottish union to hold nationwide strike ballot image

Councils in Scotland have been put on notice as Unison ballots members over industrial action.

The trade union has formally notified councils of the move in an escalation of pay negotiations with the Convention of Scottish local Authorities (COSLA).

Earlier this year, Unison voted to reject an offer of an £800 increase for staff earning under £25,000, a 2% uplift for those earning £25,000 to £40,000 and a 1% rise for those earning up to £80,000.

Ballot papers will be sent to all members employed in school cleaning, school catering, school janitorial and waste and recycling services on September 1.

In a letter to COSLA, Unison Scotland’s head of local government, Johanna Baxter, wrote that members were ‘at breaking point’ and ‘worth more than what is on offer’.

A COSLA spokesperson said: ‘We appreciate everything that local government workers have been doing, and continue to do, to support people and communities during the pandemic and as we begin to recover.

‘We continue with ongoing constructive negotiations.’

Inverclyde Council leader, Cllr Stephen McCabe, said it was ‘disappointing’ the union had moved to a ballot but added that he would ‘fully respect their right to do so’.

He added: ‘The offer made by COSLA is already more than the council has budgeted for and was made despite a cut in our core grant from the Scottish Government.

‘Unison and the other trade unions should join with COSLA and council leaders in a call to the Scottish Government to provide funding for an improved pay offer.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

Durham County Council
£47,688 - £57,954 Soulbury A 3-8 plus SPA points pro rata to hours worked
There are new full and part time posts available as a result of new investment in our Educational Psychology team. This is a fantastic role where you Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Exciting Leadership Opportunity Within Keeping Families Together – Team Leader at The Beacon Children’s Home (Seaham)  Are you ready to lead with hea Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Panel Administrator

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £26,403 - £28,598
An exciting new opportunity to join the panel team working full time, 37 hours per week. Your primary base will be Council Offices, Spennymoor. The r Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Social Worker - Adults Emergency Duty/Approved Mental Health Professional

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker / Approved Mental ... Twickenham, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Care & Support Worker

West Northamptonshire Council
£13.52ph
36 hours per week (12 hours day shifts). Operating on a 4 week rolling rota. The current rota for this position does not include any weekend working. The team will provide quality care for our people, specialising in rehabilitation/reablement and sub-acu Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner