GMB Scotland has announced essential staff in schools and early years will strike for two days next month.
The industrial action comes union members rejected a 5.5% pay offer, branding it “unacceptable” when inflation has surged triggering a cost-
Other unions are also likely to call strikes in schools and early years in September with the members of one already voting for industrial action while another is currently balloting members.
The GMB today (Thursday) served notice on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar telling them staff in schools and council nurseries across catering, cleaning, pupil support, administration and janitorial services will strike in September.
Industrial action involving the staff but not including teachers is set to take place on Wednesday 13 September and the following day in the Western Isles.
GMB Scotland senior organiser for public services, Keir Greenaway warned a meeting next Friday [25 August] will be the final opportunity for COSLA -
He said: “COSLA and Scottish ministers need to engage now or risk turning a crisis into a calamity.”
Mr Greenaway added: “The latest figures show that, despite rising wages, pay is still being outstripped by inflation.
“The pay offer to council workers does not come close to matching the surging cost of living and one that is worth less with every month that passes.
“Scotland stands on the shoulders of our local authority workers and the value of their work must be reflected in their salaries.
“COSLA has refused to seriously engage with our members during what has been a protracted, frustrating process. If they had, parents and pupils would not now be facing disruption.”
A COSLA spokesperson said: “The reality of the situation is that as employers, council leaders have made a strong offer to the workforce. A strong offer which clearly illustrates the value councils place on their workforce, and it compares well to other sectors. It recognises the cost-
“While the offer value in year is 5.5%, the average uplift on salaries going into the next financial year is 7%. Those on the Scottish Local Government Living Wage would get 9.12% and those at higher grades, where Councils are experiencing severe recruitment challenges, would see 6.05%.
“It is an offer which recognises both the vital role of the people who deliver our essential services across councils every day and the value that we, as employers, place on them.
“Crucially, it also raises the Scottish Local Government Living Wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour and sets out a commitment to work with our Trade Unions to develop a road map to £15 per hour in a way that protects our workforce and services we deliver.” “ “Cosla has refused to seriously engage with our members during what has been a protracted, frustrating process. If they had, parents and pupils would not now be facing disruption.
GMB union members in Western Isles schools to strike
17 August 2023
