Deadline looms over union vote to strike
Unison in call to council staff over industrial action
Union bosses have urged almost 4,000 council staff to complete strike action ballot papers before time runs out.
The Paisley branch of Unison has called on members across Renfrewshire to respond to the call for industrial action before the May 31 deadline.
The move follows a pay offer stalemate between the council chiefs – who tabled a £ 350 rise for those under £ 35,000 and a one per cent increase for higher earners – and union members who demanded a £1,000 flat rate deal.
If industrial action is given the green light, workers including dinner ladies, librarians, street cleaners, bus drivers, janitors, crossing guards and wardens could walk out by June 26.
Leisure centre staff, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park employees and those at national procurement group Renfrewshire Excel and Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board have also been balloted.
Ma r k Fe r g u s o n , the organisation’s branch secretary for Renfrewshire, has called for his members to make sure their voice is heard.
He said: “Since 2010, our members have lost 10 to 16 per cent on their salaries in real terms as inflation has risen.
“The cost of food, gas and electricity, travel and childcare continue to rise and, as a consequence, their living standards have been severely eroded.
“We do not want to cause disruption, but this is our last resort because this cannot continue.”
In a recent consultative ballot Unison members overwhelmingly rejected the employers’ pay offer for 2017/18 – by 78 per cent to 22 per cent.
Mike Kirby, Unison Scotland secretary added: “This Unison Scotland ballot affects every trade unionist.
“It is important that we show the UK government that we will not be bullied by the Trade Union Act 2016.
“Local government staff have seen big cuts in pay and they have the right to decide how they negotiate with their employers.
“We urge all Unison members to return their ballot paper before the 30 May deadline.
“Unison has fought hard for fair pay and to end pay restraint and we are recommending further industrial action.
“But above all we are urging Unison members to vote.”