Date: Fri 22 August 2008

Successful strike action brings reopening of talks

The 24 hour stoppage that closed and disrupted council services across Scotland on Wednesday has won a reopening of talks with the employers, the main council union - UNISON said today.

A meeting of UNISON's Scottish local government branches today welcomed the news that council employers had suggested further talks, and congratulated the members who struck last Wednesday.

Dougie Black, UNISON regional Officer and Secretary to the TU negotiators said "We are pleased that CoSLA has approached us to reopen talks on this years pay award, following the successful strike by members of the three unions on Wednesday. We also note that the invitation to talks addresses some of the contentious issues. Obviously we want a solution to this dispute, so we hope that discussions around a new offer more acceptable to our members can start quickly."

The meeting of branches welcomed the news but also agreed to maintain the dispute and make preparations for further strike action in the event of any failure of talks.

Dougie Black said "Members made it very clear on Wednesday that they want a settlement that protects them from inflation and does not lock them in to multi-year awards. The talks are welcome but are not in themselves a solution. We will be talking to our fellow unions to agree future action should it be required, and will announce this later."

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) - 07771 548 997 (m) Dougie Black (Secretary - TU negotiators) - 07958 121 851(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) - 07715 583 729 (m)

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