Glasgow bin workers prepare for summer strikes
Council staff in adult social care, represented by the GMB trade union, have already rejected a 2.2% wage increase effective from April 1 to September 30, and a 2% increase for a 12-month period starting on October 1.
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Hide AdMembers have been balloted across Scotland and if there is enough support they could walk out in time for the general election.
GMB cleansing convenor Chris Mitchell says his workers are standing in solidarity with social carers and are preparing for industrial action themselves this summer which could impact a number of events including the Edinburgh Fringe.
Local authorities have been “served notice” that a ballot on strike action has been served to GMB cleansing staff.
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Hide AdMr Mitchell said: “We are in the middle of a ballot right now for adult social care right across Scotland and that will finish on June 19.
“Then potentially during the election we could find ourselves in a pay dispute across Scotland for adult social care.
“COSLA and the Scottish Government are well aware of this and are trying to get a decent offer. They have given us an offer for over an 18-month period but it doesn’t quite cut the mustard.
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Hide Ad“We are engaging with adult social care workers everyday and encouraging them to vote yes for industrial action.”
The convenor then advised that the trade union served notice to all councils across the country yesterday regarding waste, cleansing and refuse.
He continued: “That ballot will start on June 5 and will continue until July 1.
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Hide Ad“We can then take notice after that from July 16 onwards and that could have an impact on the Edinburgh Fringe.
“We have asked for an increase of £1.50 an hour for all workers but are willing to settle for a credible offer.”
COSLA says it is disappointed that industrial action is being contemplated by its trade unions and concerned that it appears to be targeted at the most vulnerable service users.
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Hide AdA spokesperson said: “COSLA wrote to the Scottish Joint Council (SJC) Trade Unions on Thursday 23 May with a formal pay offer for the SJC Local Government workforce.
“This offer is for a settlement which runs for an 18-month period of 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2025. There would be a 2.2% uplift from 1 April, with a further 2% uplift taking effect from 1 October.
“We believe that this is a good offer in the context of inflation and the funding constraints faced by councils.
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Hide Ad“We are disappointed that industrial action is being contemplated by our unions and concerned that it appears to be targeted at the most vulnerable service users.
“We remain committed to doing the best by our workforce who deliver essential local services in every community across Scotland and understand our Trade Unions seeking the best deal possible, but this year’s settlement from the Scottish Government means that going any further will mean job losses and service cuts.”
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