Scottish local government staff plan another one-day strike

11 Sep 08
Local government workers in Scotland are planning a further one-day strike later this month, following the failure of unions and local authority employers to reach agreement on pay

12 September 2008

Local government workers in Scotland are planning a further one-day strike later this month, following the failure of unions and local authority employers to reach agreement on pay.

The stoppage is expected to take place on September 24. If it goes ahead as planned, it will be the second one-day strike since the dispute over a 2.5% pay offer began. The last walkout, on August 20, led to the severe disruption of council services.

The latest strike threat comes after further negotiations between the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and representatives of Unison, the GMB and Unite, broke down.

Cosla offered to change its offer so that the proposed 2.5% deal would apply only in 2008/09.

Previously it had sought a three-year agreement, based on 2.5% each year. The unions argued this was unacceptable, in view of the uncertainties of inflation.

Cosla spokesman Michael Cook said it had modified its offer but had no alternative but to revert to the original proposal, in view of the stance taken by the unions.

He added: 'To increase the offer beyond this level would mean service reduction and job losses. It is time for the unions to be a bit more realistic in their demands.'

Cook said he was disappointed that the trade unions were 'actively planning to put Scotland's communities through more unnecessary disruption'.

Douglas Black, secretary to the joint trade union negotiating team, warned that the employers' failure to improve the offer would not be tolerated.

He said: 'Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but now unavoidable. We have no alternative, given the employers' behaviour over this.'

The Public and Commercial Services union is also planning a strike, on September 23, by staff in the Scottish courts and justice system.

They are protesting against a 2% pay cap which caused walkouts in some departments earlier this year.

PFsep2008

Did you enjoy this article?

AddToAny

Top