Scottish local government unions launched a Fair Pay Day today, in support of workers preparing to vote on strike action.
Trade unionists on the STUC Austerity Uncovered tour asked why council workers are being offered a “measly” 1% pay rise when “fat cats” on the Sunday Times Rich List saw their wealth soar by £116bn in the last three years.
UNISON branches across Scotland are holding workplace events and lobbying councillors today as they campaign for a Yes vote in the strike ballot, which opens next week.
And in Dundee, the Austerity Uncovered anti-cuts battle bus continues its tour of local communities hit hard by the UK coalition government’s attacks on jobs, pay and benefits.
“Local government workers are struggling to make ends meet after the value of their pay has gone down nearly 13% in three years, while their daily bills go up and up,” said UNISON regional organiser Dougie Black.
“What communities need is workers spending money locally. We know that council workers do that, so giving them a Living Wage, with annual increases, and a fair pay rise, will boost local economies.”
STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham spoke at the Fair Pay day event in Dundee at lunchtime, saying: “Just a few days into the Austerity Uncovered tour, STUC has confirmed – through what people tell us – that, along with unemployment, low pay is a major cause of suffering.
“Local government workers have tightened their belts following serial real terms pay cuts and many can go no further with debts mounting.
“Council tax freezes, which most benefit those in big houses, are squeezing council budgets and causing cuts in services and workers’ pay,” he said.
