Perth and Kinross Council staff urged to reject pay offer in ballot

Trade union members working for Perth and Kinross Council are being urged to reject a revised pay offer in a ballot that runs until November 7.

In a ballot of 80,000 members, the trade union Unison will be urging its members to reject the local government body Cosla’s pay offer of 3% in a one year deal, backdated to April.

The union claims this would see local government workers receive less in their pay packet than teachers.

Stuart Hope, Unison Perth and Kinross branch secretary, said the offer fell short of addressing the serious issues of pay across local government.

“It is disappointing that the employer chose not to engage the trade unions in meaningful negotiations before delivering their revised pay offer,” he said.

“Local government staff deliver vital services such as educating children, caring for vulnerable people, cleaning and protecting our communities, and much more serving the people of Scotland.

“They are no less deserving of a decent pay increase than teachers.”

Cosla resources spokesperson, councillor Gail Macgregor said:

“I am deeply disappointed that Unison are urging their membership to reject what is a very fair offer.

“From a personal perspective I am also disappointed that with various ballots now under way, and more on the horizon, that my own priority of getting the backdated pay rise into the pay packets of our workforce looks unlikely to happen anytime soon.

“That is a real shame but is still my focus and something I am keen to deliver on as soon as this deal is agreed.”