GMB Warns COSLA: ‘Vital Services Cannot Run Without Staff – Make Work Pay For Them’
GMB Warns COSLA: ‘Vital Services Cannot Run Without Staff – Make Work Pay For Them’
On the same day (Monday 19 November) that COSLA called on the Scottish Government for a better financial settlement in next year’s budget, GMB Scotland has said the council umbrella body must do more for the lowest paid in local government if they want those services to function.
The union’s warning was delivered after its 30,000 strong local government membership supported moving to industrial action by an overwhelming majority of 85 per cent in their campaign for a better pay offer.
GMB has criticised COSLA and the Scottish Government for treating the lowest paid across Scottish councils with contempt by tabling offers which would put the biggest cash increases into the pockets of middle and highest earners.
COSLA is proposing a 3 per cent increase for all grades up to £80,000 a year and a £1,600 cash increase for staff earning over £80,000.
GMB Scotland Senior Organiser Drew Duffy said: “It’s all well and good for COSLA to call for more money from the Scottish Government to defend services, but they won’t have services to run unless they do more for struggling staff at the coal face of delivery.
“A pay deal which puts an extra £1,600 into the pockets of chief executives on six figure salaries and over £2,000 into those of senior managers while a part-time school cleaner gets just £250 isn’t just unfair, its scandalous.
“The sheer disparity of the COSLA offer means that our members, which include home carers, refuse and recycling staff, school cleaners and pupil support staff, are now supportive of moving to industrial action in order to get a better pay deal.
“After a decade of cuts we can all get behind a fairer funding model for our vital local services but it also requires COSLA to bring forward a credible offer that actually helps make work pay for staff who need it the most.”
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Contact: GMB Scotland Senior Organiser Drew Duffy on 07912 560806 or Peter Welsh, GMB Scotland Communications, on 07976 447077.
