GMB members at Aberdeen council back strikes to halt fire and rehire

Workers at Aberdeen City Council have overwhelmingly backed strike action to oppose “fire and rehire” threatened by bosses.

GMB Scotland announced the results of a ballot of members at the local authority today with almost 90% of workers backing industrial action unless the council lifts the threat of imposing new contracts on staff.

The union, one of the biggest in Scotland’s councils, said the vote reflected the anger of workers and their determination to oppose plans to impose a pay freeze while introducing a shorter working week which, it says, will cost frontline workers up to £1500 a year.

Sean Robertson, GMB Scotland organiser at Aberdeen City Council, said: “The overwhelming support for strike action is no surprise given the council’s stubborn refusal to withdraw the threat of fire and rehire.

“Giving staff the choice of accepting a new contract or dismissal is no choice at all.

“It is bullying and intimidation which no decent employer, in the public or private sector, would even consider.

“Our members have voted overwhelmingly to oppose these threats and we would urge councillors and officials to understand the strength of opposition, the possible implications and think again.”

The GMB Scotland ballot revealed 88% of members in non-education roles backed strike action to oppose “fire and rehire” which was also supported by 71% of janitorial staff in the city’s chools.

The union, which has already withdrawn its endorsement of Aberdeen City Council as a Fair Work employer meeting Scottish Government’s workplace guidelines, said strikes could now be called with potential to disrupt services from cleansing and crematoriums to social work and road maintenance.

Talks are planned between council officials and staff unions, including GMB Scotland, on Friday [4 APRIL] when the council will again be urged to lift the threat and find a new way forward.