Union issues strike warning
A TRADE union has warned preparations for fresh strike action could begin as early as next week as anger grows over local government pay talks.
East Renfrewshire was hit by industrial action last year, with schools closed as a dispute over wages escalated.
Now officials at Unison, which represents 85,000 council workers across the country, have accused local government body Cosla of “learning nothing” from that disruption.
The union said staff were due a cost-of-living pay increase this month after a claim was submitted to Cosla in January.
However, it is understood the union has not yet had a response.
The pay claim saw the union ask for an above one-year inflation increase for those on the lowest wages, on top of the previously agreed plan to introduce the minimum rate to £15 per hour by 2026.
It also asks for a seven per cent increase to all spinal columns – or pay scales – or a £1.60 increase to the hourly rate, whichever is greater.
David O’Connor, Unison’s local government organiser, said: “Cosla has to understand the growing anger among local government workers over how they are treated year after year in pay negotiations.
“It is no wonder local government workers are left feeling disappointed and frustrated when their employers haven’t even bothered to respond to the pay claim.”
Colette Hunter, the union’s local government chair, added: “It would appear that Cosla has learned nothing from last year’s pay dispute.
“The last thing anyone wants to do is take strike action but, if Cosla continue to ignore our pay claim, then we may be left with no choice.
“While strike action is always a last resort, our local government committee is currently considering all options and preparations for strike action could begin as early as next week.”
A Cosla spokeswoman said: “Council leaders will meet this Friday to consider a report on the pay claims for 2024/25.”