The announcement that inflation has risen to 2.9% is “grim news for hard-pressed workers struggling to make ends meet”, says UNISON Scotland, as local government members vote on strike action to win an impovement in their 1% pay offer.
UNISON represents workers in all 32 Scottish local authorities, including cooks, cleaners, classroom assistants, housing staff, library workers, cleansing and environmental protection staff, technicians and trading standards workers and early years workers and social work staff.
“Sustained high inflation, coupled with a prolonged pay freeze – then squeeze – for millions of public sector workers across the UK, has hit families hard,” says UNISON Scotland secretary Mike Kirby.
“Parents are cutting back on food, clothes, even on things for their children – they are being priced out of basic living.
“Meanwhile, it is still boom time for British bankers who are dominating the EU bankers’ rich list.
“Our members in Scottish local government have seen the value of their pay fall by more than 10% in the last three years.
“They have been offered just 1%, despite inflation now being almost 3%. No wonder they are angry.
“They deserve fair pay and a commitment to annual rises in the living sage.
“This would also boost local economies. Putting money into people’s pockets so they can get out and spend makes good economic sense.”
The Scottish local government ballot opened on3 July and runs to 13 August.
If members vote yes, the proposal is for a minimum of three days of strike action over a seven-week period in the autumn.
Two of these would be national one-day strikes and there would be a rolling programme of one-day strikes around the country. Selective action is also being considered.
UNISON Scotland campaign: Yes to Fair Pay
