GMB Scotland members across local government have today (Friday 23 September) voted to accept the improved pay offer which led to the suspension of waste and schools strikes earlier this month. Following the close of a two-week consultative ballot of its 20,000 plus membership across Scottish local government, workers backed the offer achieved through intense negotiations
GMB Scotland members across local government have today (Friday 23 September) voted to accept the improved pay offer which led to the suspension of waste and schools strikes earlier this month.
Following the close of a two-week consultative ballot of its 20,000 plus membership across Scottish local government, workers backed the offer achieved through intense negotiations between unions and the First Minister by a majority of 81 per cent.
It will deliver a flat rate increase of over £1,900 for all workers earning less than £39,000 a year (based on a 36-hour working week), backdated to April 1 2022, and represents a significant improvement on the previous 2 per cent, 3.5 per cent, and 5 per cent across-the- board offers.
GMB Scotland Senior Organiser Keir Greenaway said:
“Our members have accepted the offer negotiated by unions and the First Minister by a clear majority. We are now calling on councils to ensure this consolidated increase is put into the pay and conditions of members as soon as possible, because the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away.
“This must also be a point of reflection rather than relief for political leaders. Tens of thousands of low-paid workers were kept waiting months for movement on a decent pay offer in the grip of soaring inflation and eye-watering energy bills. That’s unacceptable and can’t be repeated next year.
“GMB is clear that after years of cuts to pay and services, this must be the start of the story in the fight for proper value of our key workers, because this period of intense economic pressure is going to last years and not months.
“Most importantly, we want to pay tribute to our members. Strike action is not easy, but through sacrifice and solidarity they have secured a significantly improved pay rise to help confront the winter months of this cost-of-living crisis.”
ENDS
