Social care and housing support workers at Blue Triangle Housing Association are taking strike action across Scotland today (Wednesday) in a dispute over pay, says UNISON.
Their walkout coincides with a day notorious for pranks, but staff won’t be taken for fools any longer in a sector blighted by low pay, the union says.
Care workers across 36 services and 12 local authorities will take action today, with carers saying their wages fail to reflect the skill, responsibility and emotional demands of their roles.
The strike coincides with today’s rise in the Real Living Wage, from £12.60 to £13.45. But this still leaves many carers earning only marginally above the minimum, despite years of promises from the Scottish government on fair pay, says the union.
UNISON says the care sector is facing a deepening crisis, with low pay driving recruitment and retention problems across Scotland.
The most recent pay offer made to staff was 2% for 2024/25 and 1% for 2025/26. Staff voted overwhelmingly to strike in October 2025.
UNISON Scotland social care lead Jennifer McCarey said: “Care workers are totally undervalued but they’re making clear they won’t be taken for fools. Despite repeated promises of fair pay, staff are still waiting.
“The social care system is under huge strain and workers are being pushed to breaking point for pitiful wages.
“This strike sends a clear message that workers won’t be undervalued any longer. Industrial action is always a last resort, but care workers feel they’ve no alternative after years of below-inflation pay offers.
“The Scottish government must work with unions and employers to deliver the fair pay Scotland’s care workers have been promised and deserve.”
Blue Triangle support worker and UNISON rep Robbie Burgess said: “Workers have had enough of being treated like an afterthought. On April Fools’ Day, the real joke is the years of broken promises on fair pay.
“This is about fairness, dignity and recognising the vital role we play supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“We care deeply about the people we support, we just want to be paid fairly.”
Notes to Editors
PHOTO / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
– The picket line will take place from 8am-1pm at Blue Triangle Headquarters, 100 Berkeley Street, Charing Cross, G3 7HU.
– Strikers will be joined by candidates for the Scottish Parliament as they ‘bring the Scottish Parliament to the picket line’.
– UNISON Scotland is the largest public services union and the main union for care workers in Scotland. It represents members in the NHS, social care, local government, education, police staff, energy, and water.