UNISON have a strike mandate in 24 councils in Scotland.  

You have delivered the strongest ever UNISON mandate for strike action for an improved pay deal for all local government workers in Scotland. Because of your action, UNISON have a strike mandate in 24 councils in Scotland. The full results are below. While every council ballot in Scotland returned an overwhelming yes to strike vote, trade union laws require a 50% turnout for us to take strike action. UNISON school staff beat the 50% ballot threshold in 24 councils. This is UNISON’s strongest ever strike ballot result in local government in Scotland. What happens next? UNISON Scotland’s local government committee meet on Monday, and we will announce further industrial action in the coming days. UNISON will do all it can to get back around the table with COSLA. We are well aware that you want to be in school working with children – not out on picket lines closing schools. But we are in no doubt of the resolve of UNISON members to take strike action for an improved pay deal for all local government workers. UNISON is the largest representative body of local government workers by far, and we take our responsibility to ensure that all industrial action is legally compliant very seriously – so you are protected if you are on strike. Please look out for further emails and social media or contact your local branch for more information.

Thank you

Thank you to every one of you who voted, and for taking action on behalf of all of local government workers. It is vital that your voice is heard, you have shown the strength of your union.

If you want to see the full scrutineers’ report, please phone UNISON Direct on 0800 0857 857.

Johanna Baxter, UNISON Scotland head of local government

Mark Ferguson, chair of UNISON Scotland’s local government committee