COSLA Pay Offer Response

GMB warns council pay offer feathers nests of service directors over frontline staff

Responding to the COSLA pay offer submitted to unions today (Monday 29 August) and following an initial meeting of GMB Scotland’s local government committee members this afternoon, GMB Scotland Senior Organiser for Public Services Keir Greenaway said:

“A flat rate award is a key demand from unions to ensure more consolidated money goes into the pockets of frontline workers and not the highest paid in our councils. COSLA knew this but instead tabled this offer as an across-the-board percentage rise that only feathers the nests of service directors.

“This was unacceptable to our local government committee members. It’s not credible that in the grip of the biggest cost-of-living crisis in forty years, and with inflation and energy bills soaring, a head of service gets four times the consolidated increase than a bin collector, cleaner or carer.

“That’s why we have written to COSLA again this evening urging them to return to talks as soon as possible and to negotiate a new offer based on a flat rate increase. If they don’t do this, then when our committee reconvenes tomorrow, we will outline our plans to fully consult GMB members.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.