The convenor of the GMB in Glasgow is urging cleansing workers nationwide to go on strike in a bid for a ten percent pay rise.
Chris Mitchell of the GMB trade union believes that an increase in pay for people in this sector as well rail workers, social carers and teachers would help communities navigate the cost of living crisis and that the government needs to step up and help.
He took to social media earlier this week to ask if people would support a UK wide strike and says he is getting positive feedback.
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Mr Mitchell explained: “We thought we would put that question out there to see the reaction and so far it is pretty good.
“Right across the UK – Wales, England as well as Scotland people are backing us. On June 18 there is a giant march in London regarding the cost of living crisis.
“That is just the start of it and I think once that momentum builds we are going to see stuff like this happening right across the country.
“Rail workers, teachers, social care workers as well as ourselves in the cleansing department have been offered just a two percent pay rise by COSLA so the anger is certainly building.
“I don’t think the government has any intention to help us with the cost of living nor have they done enough to prepare us for this situation. The time is going to come where the nation is going to take a stand and tell them enough is enough.”
The GMB convenor also says the trade union is continuing to engage with COSLA to ask for a 10 percent pay rise.
He added: “We don’t seem to be getting anywhere – we are going round in circles.
“From what I have heard cleansing workers throughout the 32 local authorities in Scotland are willing to make a stand and that is going to coincide with teachers and rail workers.
“We are going to see something massive in Scotland and I believe after this march on June 18 there is going to be a domino effect right across the country. To coincide with the cost of living, we want a pay rise.”
A COSLA Spokesperson said: “We remain in ongoing discussions with our trade union colleagues in relation to pay.”
