Standing Together for a Fair Deal
COSLA’s decision to impose an unfair pay award does not mean we are giving up. Instead, we are moving to the next stage of our campaign. Our consultative ballot showed an overwhelming rejection of the current offer, with over 86% of members voting to reject it. This clear message from our members highlights that the offer is insufficient and unfair. As a result, we are taking the step to ballot 90,000 council members in Scotland for strike action.
UNISON’s Commitment to Action
UNISON already has live strike mandates at 19 employers, we will identify the most effective areas for action and will move quickly to set dates, giving notice in selected employers. Additionally we are finalising a timetable to ballot our entire membership affected by this local government pay settlement for Industrial Action.
A Bitter Disappointment
The decision by COSLA to unilaterally impose a wage rise already rejected by a majority of the workforce is a bitter disappointment, choosing to disregard the overwhelming rejection of the offer by UNISON members in the consultative ballot.
Just days before the announcement, COSLA’s lead negotiator, Councillor Katie Hagman, and the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government & Finance, Shona Robinson MSP, assured us they were committed to a negotiated settlement.
This decision ranks among the poorest of employment practices, even worse than those seen in longer-running disputes within the rail industry and the NHS doctors.
The Inadequate Offer
The current offer from COSLA includes an hourly increase of 67p (or 3.6%), whichever is higher. However, this falls short of expectations, especially considering the 25% real-terms pay cut over the past 14 years.
Part of the reason Councils are in Crisis
Councils are in a state of crisis, grappling with severe recruitment challenges. Workers are being asked to do more with fewer resources and lower wages. Local authority employees and the essential services they provide are under untenable pressure. The only viable solution is to provide these dedicated staff with the higher pay rise they rightly deserve.
Our Members: The Backbone of Society
Council staff, our members, are the backbone of society, providing essential services that keep everything running smoothly. It’s both upsetting and infuriating to see them so undervalued. Politicians have enjoyed pay rises upwards of 6.7%, yet they tell dedicated workers to limit their expectations. Our members made it clear in the consultation ballot that this disparity is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.
Demanding Fairness
UNISON members are rightly outraged that the current offer falls significantly short of their pay claim and is well below the 5.5% awarded to NHS colleagues. Despite Cosla claiming to value each member of their workforce, they have employed the poorest of employment practices by imposing an unfair pay offer. Finance Secretary Shona Robison’s mention of staff receiving this unfair pay settlement before Christmas is little consolation. Local Government workers deserve a decent pay rise, not just a payment to tide them over the festive period.
A Call to Action
Our members need a pay offer that takes a significant step in restoring the value of our pay. It must be fair, and we need it now—no more promises of cake tomorrow. Stand together, demand fairness, and fight for the pay rise you deserve.
UNISON: United for Fair Pay – What can you do ?
Our strength and solidarity are our greatest assets and together, we can make a difference in our fight for a fair deal for all
Before the ballot, we ask all members to take immediate action by contacting their Councillors and MPs. By writing to them, you can build pressure and demonstrate the strength of our collective voice.
This will only take a few minutes but is vital in building pressure.
• Email Your Councillor: You can send a pre-drafted email asking your councillor to support a fair pay rise for council workers. Click here to Email Your Councillor.
• Email Your MP: Similarly, you can email your MP, explaining why local government workers need a proper pay rise and highlighting the impact of funding cuts. Click here to Email Your MP.
These emails can be personalised if desired and can also be used by friends and family, so feel free to circulate this call to action far and wide.
Finally you can read our latest update here: UNISON Scotland – Local Government Strike Ballot Could Be Extended to More Workers. https://unison-scotland.org/local-government-strike-ballot-could-be-extended-to-more-workers/
Let’s ensure every UNISON member gets the respect and pay they deserve.
Stirling UNISON 