COUNCIL workers in Argyll will join local authority staff across the country in strike action later this month in a dispute over pay.
Members of the Unison, Unite and GMB unions working in local government in Scotland voted to take strike action over a below-inflation pay offer by the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) of 2.5 per cent for each of the next three years.
Unions say an inflation rate of 4.6 per cent and the rising cost of living mean that members cannot afford the below-inflation pay rises.
A spokesman for Unison said that the industrial action on August 20 is likely to be followed by ‘selective’ action from key sections of staff.
A meeting between employers and the unions was scheduled for August 13 to see if strike action can be avoided.
Dougie Black, Unison Scotland’s lead negotiator for council staff, said: ‘This result is a clear rejection of an inadequate offer. Our members are clear that they cannot afford another series of below-inflation pay increases.
‘Inflation is at 4.6 per cent and key household items like bread and milk are increasing even faster. Our members need a fair offer from their employers.
‘We have a window of opportunity to see if we can avoid disruptive strikes. I hope the employers take it.’
Alex McLuckie, GMB Scotland’s local government organiser, said: ‘Our view of the employers’ offer was that it is too low for too long and we are pleased that our members agree with that view.
‘While we now have a mandate for industrial action we will be contacting the employers to seek an early meeting where hopefully we can negotiate an offer that is acceptable to our members.’
