The largest union in local government is planning to close schools and waste services in the Perth and Kinross constituency of First Minister John Swinney, says UNISON today (Friday).
The union says council workers in Scotland are angry their pay offer is not in line with other public service workers, many of whom have been offered 5.5% pay rises.
UNISON has mandates for strike action by waste and recycling workers at 13 councils, and education and early years staff at 5 councils. The union is considering dates for Perth and Kinross strikes, where the union has mandates for both.
This announcement comes after thousands of schools and early-years workers rejected their pay offer decisively, with more than nine in ten (92%) of those balloted backing strikes.
UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Colette Hunter said: “Focusing on the First Minister’s constituency will bring home to him the importance of settling this dispute as schools close and rubbish piles up in the streets.
“Local government staff are angry that after years of pay cuts, they’re not getting a pay rise comparable to other public service workers.
“They’re expected to deliver even more with fewer staff and lower wages, but that puts workers under intolerable pressure. It’s unsustainable and can’t go on”.
UNISON Scotland local government lead David O’Connor said: “Going on strike is never an easy decision, as council staff are acutely aware of the disruption it causes. They’re asking why they have to do this every year.
“There’s a high bar to reach the legal threshold imposed by union laws, so not all councils achieve the mandate required.
“However, the anger is palpable. Thousands have rejected Cosla’s pay offer, with an overwhelming majority (92%) of those who voted agreeing to strike.
“The First Minister’s constituency will be the initial target, ensuring he cannot overlook the real anger among staff regarding this inadequate pay offer.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the largest union in local government. The union represent staff in education, local government, social care, NHS, police services, utilities, energy and the voluntary sector.
– Councils where UNISON has a mandate for strike action in waste, recycling and street cleaning are: Clackmannanshire Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, East Ayrshire Council, East Lothian Council, Fife Council, Glasgow City Council, Inverclyde Council, Midlothian Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Perth & Kinross Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Stirling Council and West Lothian Council, plus Cireco, an arms-length waste management specialist company.
Councils where UNISON has mandates in schools and early years: Perth and Kinross; Shetland; Orkney; East Renfrewshire; Angus