UNISON, the largest local government union, has notified 13 councils (NOT Edinburgh) that strikes will take place over nine days between 14 and 22 August in Scotland.
The councils include Clackmannanshire Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, East Ayrshire Council, East Lothian Council, Fife Council, Glasgow City Council, Inverclyde Council, Midlothian Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Perth & Kinross Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Stirling Council, West Lothian Council and Cireco (arms-length waste management specialist company).
Waste, refuse and street cleaning staff will walk out after they rejected a 3.2% pay offer from Cosla, the local government employer organisation. The pay dispute affects all council staff.
UNISON Scotland local government lead David O’Connor said: “Talks this week with the Scottish government were positive. The cabinet secretary says he understands that additional funding from government is necessary and has committed to work towards that.
“UNISON has been trying to get pay resolved since the beginning of the year and these government talks come too late to prevent strike notices being served. But at least we’re forcing employers and government to focus on trying to find a settlement.”
UNISON Scotland local government chair Colette Hunter said: “Strikes are always the last resort. But local government staff have seen the value of their wages reduced by a quarter over the past 14 years.
“They’re simply asking for a pay deal that recognises the essential services they deliver and starts to address years of below-inflation pay settlements.
“Cosla and the Scottish government must understand the anger among council staff. They are resolute and strikes will go ahead unless a solution can be found.”
Edinburgh Council workers are mainly members of Unite the union who have not yet made an announcement about industrial action.
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