Letter from UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis on the Scottish local government pay ballot.
Dear friend,
As you know, UNISON local government branches across Scotland are currently being balloted for industrial action. That’s happening because UNISON members voted overwhelmingly to reject the pitiful pay offer that was put forward earlier this year.
Thanks to years of pay restraint and inflation, your pay is worth far less now than ten years ago.
Your standard of living is being squeezed as the prices of food, gas and electricity, travel and childcare continue to rise.
This can’t continue – you deserve more. You deserve fair pay.
Now’s the time to make a stand.
This ballot affects every UNISON member who works in local Government in Scotland – you, your colleagues and thousands of other members – so it’s vital you use your vote.
It’s especially important to take part in this ballot, even if you haven’t voted in a ballot before, because new government legislation means that unless 50% of eligible members take part in the ballot, UNISON cannot call industrial action.
It’s vital that we get the best possible mandate for industrial action so we can fight for the best possible pay deal for you, and all UNISON members in local government. Together, I know we can win that fight.
Yours,
Dave Prentis
General Secretary, UNISON