Council workers in Scotland, represented by GMB Scotland, are poised to strike if the forthcoming pay offer from local authorities falls short of their expectations. The union has warned that a proposal below 3% would trigger industrial action while MSPs enjoy a higher salary increase.
Council workers in Scotland, represented by GMB Scotland, may strike if they find the upcoming pay offer from local authorities unsatisfactory. The union reported that 97% of its members voted to proceed with a formal strike vote if the pay increase is deemed inadequate. This comes in light of concerns that the proposed rise could be below 3%, contrasting with a 6% salary boost for Members of the Scottish Parliament, sparking discontent among workers.
Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland’s senior organiser for public services, emphasized the need for a “credible” improvement in the pay offer to avoid industrial action. The union, representing workers in key sectors such as care and cleansing, highlights the necessity for fair negotiations and sufficient funding to support the pay claims.
The Scottish Government noted that while it values the role of councils and their staff, wage negotiations fall under the purview of unions and employers. It acknowledged contributing over £14 billion to local councils this current year to support council activities. For its part, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities is set to review the union’s pay claims, signalling ongoing discussions to address workers’ concerns.
