UNISON is considering further industrial action following a two-week schools strike across Perth and Kinross in its dispute to improve pay for all council workers in Scotland, the union says today (Friday).
The union has called for dialogue with the Scottish government and Cosla to try to break the deadlock as the walkouts which closed many schools in John Swinney’s constituency end today.
UNISON has 18 strike mandates for waste and recycling workers and education staff at councils across Scotland. The union has warned that, unless there is a breakthrough, it will extend its mandate by balloting members across all councils.
The union’s committee of local government stewards in Scotland met today (Friday) to prepare next steps in the dispute.
UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Colette Hunter said: “We need dialogue between the Scottish government, Cosla and unions to try to find a way forward. No council worker wants to be on strike. A solution to this dispute must be found.
“John Swinney’s mantra that there’s ‘no more money’ is simply not true anymore. He’s set to receive billions of pounds from the Treasury following this week’s budget.
“What’s needed is to at least explore how to work together to improve council services for communities across Scotland and how we reverse the massive decline in council workers pay.”
Notes to editors
– UNISON Scotland’s local government committee is made up of elected stewards from across the country.
– The two-week Perth and Kinross schools strike ended today (Friday).
– Councils where UNISON has a mandate for strike action in waste, recycling and street cleaning: 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 and Angus.
– UNISON is the largest union in local government. The union represents staff in education, local government, social care, NHS, police services, utilities, energy and the voluntary sector.