Call for end to pay freeze part of council staff’s new wage claim

Unions representing Scotland’s local government workers have lodged their annual pay claim, calling for a living wage to be brought in across the country.

Unison, GMB and Unite unions have asked local authorities to end the two-year pay freeze introduced in 2010/11, and have asked for a living wage of £7.20 per hour.

The unions also want a £1,000 flat-rate payment, for those on the lowest incomes.

The claim covers all grades of workers including refuse collectors, teaching assistants, social workers, administrators, cleaners, parks and leisure staff and librarians. Dougie Black, of Unison, said: “The £250 promised by the government to soften the blow of a pay freeze for the lowest paid has been denied to local government workers. While other low-paid public service workers have had this flat-rate increase, yet again council workers go without.”

Eleven councils already pay staff the living wage and six confirmed they paid it from April this year. Another two have indicated their intention to introduce it.

LYNSEY BEWS