Following our consultative ballots, all three trade unions urged the employers to present a revised offer before the anniversary date of April 1st, 2025.
Last week, UNISON wrote to the employers, reiterating the significant discontent among local government employees. We highlighted that the recent pay offer to NHS staff by the Scottish Government has intensified this feeling. UNISON emphasised that our members are frustrated with being treated as second-class citizens regarding pay. We stressed that any revised offer must match or exceed the NHS settlement, considering previous agreements.
The Scottish Government’s ability to secure resources for the NHS pay offer demonstrates that they can value public service workers when motivated, showing that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
We again offered to make a joint representation to the Scottish Government to advocate for additional funding to enable a fair settlement for local government employees.
The employers responded with no revised offer, noting our position.
Consequently, UNISON began issuing notice to over 60 employers of our intent to ballot for industrial action. The ballot will open on May 1st, 2025, and run for six weeks.
We have issued a press release, available here: https://unison-scotland.org/council-staff-to-be-issued-with-strike-ballots-in-dispute-over-pay-says-unison/. This can be adapted for local use. We have also attached the latest bargaining brief and a high-resolution graphic for local communications. A leaflet detailing the current position, ballot timings, and how to request a replacement ballot will be available within the next day or so for distribution to members.
Furthermore, the local government committee and staff are developing a workshop to be rolled out over the next few weeks to help achieve a successful ballot result.
We will continue to keep you informed and work with you throughout this process.
Stirling UNISON 