Conference condemned the refusal of Scotland’s
Local Government employers to negotiate a fair pay increase
for their workers and pledged its full support for Scotland’s
strike ballot and for any action which follows.
Moving Scotland’s emergency motion, Regional
Delegate, Inez Teece told conference that local government
members had rejected the employer’s offer of 1%.
UNISON had welcomed the introduction of the Scottish
living wage of £7.50 but there had been no agreement
for an annual uplift.
“We have given every opportunity for the employers
to come back to the table yet they still refuse. This
has left us no option but to recommend to our members
that they vote YES for action.
“And let’s not fall for that old rhetoric
from the employers that they can’t afford it.
Or that to increase the offer will cost jobs,”
she added.
“A two year pay freeze in Scotland didn’t
stop thousands of jobs being lost in local authorities
across the country,” slammed Inez, adding that
in Scotland councils have unallocated reserves of £300
million.
“Ofcourse they can afford it. It is simply a
matter of prioritisation and whether they value their
staff and our members.”
Inez added, “We are under no illusion that this
is a difficult fight. We still have to engage with our
members, to involve them and to campaign with them.
Your support and the knowledge that our members in Scotland
are not alone is a strong and necessary message to send.”
Mark Ferguson, speaking for the Service Group Executive
congratulated Scottish Local government members on their
stance in rejecting the employer’s final offer
and promised the support of the Executive if members
return a mandate for action. He condemned the employers’
attempts to ignore the bargaining machinery, and the
threat of changes to national terms and conditions as
part of next year’s pay talks.
“Let’s go back from this conference and
spread the word amongst our members that we are stronger
together,” urged Mark.
Dundee City’s Jim McFarlane told delegates that
the offer on 1% is an insult to our members.
He said, “We all know that this isn’t just
about pay. This is about the austerity agenda, cuts,
job losses, less staff, increased demand for the many
services our members provide to some of the most vulnerable
people in our communities.”
17 June 2013
