Council workers support industrial action
Council workers support industrial action to confront cost of living “catastrophe” for lowest paid
GMB Scotland has this afternoon (Thursday 24 March) warned local government leaders they face “waves of industrial action”, unless the council umbrella organisation COSLA significantly improves workers’ pay to confront the growing cost-of-living crisis.
In a consultative ballot of its Scottish local government membership, 95 per cent of ballots returned supported moving to industrial action against an across the board 2 per cent pay increase in 2022-23.
Council leaders meet tomorrow and an updated position on local government pay is expected early next week.
GMB Scotland Senior Organiser for Public Services, Keir Greenaway, said:
“COSLA’s 2 per cent pay offer is pitiful. It will do nothing to tackle soaring inflation and energy bills for already hard-pressed council staff who have endured a torrid two-years on the frontline of COVID-19.
“This cost-of-living crisis will become a catastrophe for lowest-paid local government workers, and after everything they’ve done for all of us, the prospect of going from the frontline of this pandemic to below the breadline is appalling.
“Our members have delivered a loud and clear message to COSLA chiefs and the Scottish Government – they must significantly improve this pay offer otherwise there will be waves of industrial action across councils.”
ENDS
Contact: GMB Scotland Senior Organiser for Public Services Keir Greenaway on 07855 017842 or GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.
