On February 17, COSLA offered 3% pay rise to all council staff. On February 19, UNISON Scotland’s local government committee responded with a resounding NO.
Check your email and vote ‘YES’.
UNISON’s consultative pay ballot runs 10 to 27 March. Your vote is vital. A low turnout means accepting a derisory offer. We need every member to vote. You will have been emailed your unique voting link.
Your UNISON local government committee is asking you vote “YES” to confirm that, if COSLA does not sufficiently improve their pay offer by March 31, will you support industrial action to achieve a better deal?
A powerful ‘yes’ vote strengthens the hands of your negotiators and helps to push your employers to improve their offer. Make your voice heard and encourage your colleagues to look out for their ballot too.
Why have your local government committee rejected this pay offer?
- 15 years of pay cuts ignored: They offered nothing to address the more than 20% pay drop many have suffered.
- £15 minimum? Forget it: No real progress towards a living wage.
- Pay cut in disguise: With rising costs and inflation, this is a real-terms pay cut.
Questions and Answers
This Q&A leaflet set out the rationale as to why the offer was rejected and why it’s vital to vote.
By not voting, it sends a message to the employer that a real-terms pay cut of 3% is acceptable.
Update your contact details – your voice matters
It only takes a moment to do. You can go online at MY UNISON. You will need to log in but it is easy to do. Alternatively, phone UNISON Direct on 0800 0 857 857. If you’ve moved house or changed your email, phone number or workplace, please update your details.
Encourage your colleagues in UNISON to do the same. Your voice matters.
UNISON Scotland’s local government committee chair Collette Hunter said: “We need fair pay for all local government staff. This is a pragmatic claim which addresses the devaluation of local government workers’ pay. It also calls for a minimum of £15 per hour.“Both are essential if local government want to attract and retain the highest quality staff.
“We will continue to pressure the Scottish government to ensure that local government gets its fair share when it comes to the allocation of finances.”
UNISON’s pay claim
Summary of UNISON’s claim (submitted 17 January):
- One-year settlement: From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
- Increase: A 6.5% increase to all spinal column points and related allowances, crucial for restoring pay levels and making significant progress towards UNISON claim for a minimum pay rate of £15 per hour. .
- Parity: With other local government bargaining groups, ensuring no less than equal treatment.
The pay claim covers all council workers covered by SJC conditions.
If you have any questions about your pay please contact your local branch.