Date: Tue 11 October 2011

Stow College strikers rally support in pursuit of a Living Wage

“Where is this Living Wage the Scottish Government talk about?” - that's the question being asked by Stow College strikers.

The UNISON members at Glasgow's Stow College are staging a rally on Wednesday 12 October in support of their campaign to win a living wage from their employers.

Lunchtime on Wednesday marks the halfway point of a three day strike which began on Tuesday morning. The UNISON members are striking over the College’s refusal to implement a living wage despite agreeing to do so as part of last year’s pay deal. 

Some of the striking staff also face being outsourced to a private company – with no guarantee that the previously agreed minimum wage deal will be implemented.

Chris Greenshields, a UNISON steward at Stow College, said:

“Our members provide valuable services to staff and students at the college, but many are living on poverty pay.

“The SNP Government promised to protect the lowest paid workers from the worst aspects of the recession, yet Stow College refuses to introduce the Living Wage for our members – many of who are low-paid women workers – and on top of this, we are now facing a real-term pay cut.

We were delighted when the Scottish Government said they supported a Living Wage for their own staff - but why won’t they use their influence to make sure other employers depending on public funding do likewise? “

ends

PICTURE OPPORTUNITY – Wednesday 12 October 12.30pm Stow College, Shamrock St, Cowcaddens. Public rally to support Living Wage strike.

Notes for editors

1.    UNISON has 90 members who work in Stow College in a variety of roles including: learning support workers, admin / clerical workers, caretakers, cleaners and catering workers. Many are low paid with some earning just above the national minimum wage.

2.    For more information contact Chris Greenshields on 07504 975176, Brian Smith on 0141 552 7069 or Mandy McDowall, regional organiser for UNISON, on 07903 846 427

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