Date: Monday 28 October 2013

UNISON brands COSLA’s delay claims ‘utter nonsense’

UNISON has dismissed COSLA’s delay claims as ‘utter nonsense’ and says the organisation’s decision to rip up its one year pay offer is a kick in the teeth for hardworking council staff.

Scotland’s largest public service union reacted angrily to COSLA’s plans to impose terms on workers for a two year period - completely outwith the bargaining framework - instead of honouring their agreement of one per cent for 2013/14.

Dougie Black, UNISON’s regional organiser, said:
“COSLA’s claims that UNISON is dragging its heels is utter nonsense.

“Our members were balloted and had accepted COSLA’s one year pay offer. It’s completely unacceptable for COSLA to renege on the deal and it’s a real kick in the teeth for Scotland’s council staff who work hard to deliver Scotland’s council services.

“Imposing a deal is no way to conduct bargaining and our members deserve more than these underhand tactics. COSLA needs to get back around the negotiating table and conduct their business in a fair, open and transparent manner and show our members the respect they deserve.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. More information on the local government pay agreement can be found on our website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/pay2013/index.html


For further information please contact:
Dougie Black, UNISON’s Regional Organiser, on 07958 121 851

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