UNISON, the largest union in local government, has served notice of intention to ballot members for strike action over pay in Glasgow City Parking and at the Emirates Arena. If workers vote to strike, the World Cycling Championships will face disruption.
UNISON Scotland head of local government, Johanna Baxter said: “No-one wants to disrupt the World Cycling Championships. Local government workers have been working hard preparing for the event.
“However, local government workers in Scotland have suffered over a decade of pay cuts and, along with the rest of the country, are living with the cost-of-living crisis. They overwhelmingly voted to reject COSLA’s pay offer and have made it clear they are willing to take strike action to secure an improved offer.
“Local government workers are exasperated to find themselves in this cycle of dispute year after year. COSLA and the Scottish government need to get around the table and fund local government properly so these workers get a pay rise that recognises and rewards the vital work they do.”
Chair of UNISON Scotland’s local government committee Mark Ferguson said: “Almost 90% of members voted to reject the pay offer in our consultative ballot and there has been no attempt at improving this pay offer, with COSLA refusing to approach the Scottish government for additional funding.
“Local government staff are the backbone of our communities – events like these show how important these workers are. They deserve to be paid fairly and not have to worry about how they will pay their household bills.”
Notes for editors
UNISON is the largest union in local government.
Results of UNISON Scotland’s local government digital consultative pay ballot in April:
Do you want to accept or reject this pay offer? Reject pay offer 87.11%
Are you willing to take industrial action up to and including strike action in pursuit of an improved offer? Of those who reject pay offer, 90.99%
UNISON contacts:
Johanna Baxter: 07817 120894
Danny Phillips: 07944 664110
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