Time for fair pay in Scottish local government

Local government unions in Scotland are calling for a Living Wage of £7.20 an hour in all councils across the country as well as a £1,000 flat payment.

The message from the GMB, UNISON and Unite unions was “It’s time for fair pay” as they lodged their annual pay claim on behalf of council workers in a bid to end the continuing pay freeze.

The claim covers all grades of local government workers in Scotland, including refuse collectors, teaching assistants, social workers, administrators, cleaners, parks and leisure staff and librarians.

UNISON’s Dougie Black said: “The lowest paid have been hit the hardest: while the cost of living has risen sharply, their pay has stayed the same.

“Council workers are already suffering from cuts to jobs and services and their terms and conditions are under attack at a local level.”

The unions added that the £250 promised by the government to soften the blow of a pay freeze for the lowest paid has been denied to local government workers.

“This is an unparalleled assault on those who are working harder for less to maintain vital community services and it can’t be allowed to continue,” Black said.