The union says the sector is struggling to recruit and retain staff because pay remains barely above the minimum wage, with increases way behind inflation.
The strike will take place on Wednesday 1 April, the same day social care workers in Scotland see their hourly rates rise from £12.60 to £13.45 in line with the Real Living Wage.
Staff at Blue Triangle provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, says UNISON.
The union says the highly skilled workforce delivers life-changing care on wages that fail to reflect the responsibility, expertise, and emotional demands of the role.
The most recent pay offer made to staff was 2% for 2024/25 and 1% for 2025/26.
UNISON Scotland social care lead Jennifer McCarey said: “The care sector is in crisis. Despite repeated promises by the Scottish government to give ‘fair pay’ to care workers, it hasn’t materialised. That’s worsened an already broken system.
“Charities like Blue Triangle Housing Association are suffering because of underfunding for a sector where low pay is rife.
“The Scottish care sector had its first national strikes in more than a decade last year, and once again staff feel compelled to take action to secure fair pay.
“This is skilled, demanding and emotionally tough work with enormous responsibility. Pay should reflect that, but it’s just pennies above the minimum wage.
“Strike action is always a last resort and not a decision staff take lightly. The Scottish government must sit down with unions and employers to deliver the fair pay settlement for social care promised years ago.”
Blue Triangle support worker and UNISON rep Robbie Burgess said: “Workers don’t receive a fair rate for the job they do.
“The Scottish government said it would put this right in back 2021, but staff are still stuck on on the bottom rung.
“It’s time everyone who works in care was valued fairly and equally. This isn’t just about pay, it’s about the importance and the value of care in Scotland.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON Scotland is the largest public services union representing more than 160,000 members. It is the main union for care workers in Scotland.
– The strike by workers from Blue Triangle on Wednesday 1 April will affect 36 services across 12 local authorities.