Schools in West Lothian could see staff walk out and bins could remain unemptied as many West Lothian Council workers vote for strike action in a dispute over pay.
Unite the union confirmed today that its local government membership in 26 councils - including West Lothian - have rejected a two per cent pay offer and voted for industrial action, calling it “derisory”.
The trade union which represents thousands of local government workers balloted its members in schools and cleansing across all Scottish councils.
Unite will be finalising the strike dates in the coming week with action in refuse and waste services expected to begin in mid-August. Action specifically impacting schools is expected to begin in early September.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said they are still waiting on more details, adding: “We are aware of the potential for industrial action and will await the outcome before commenting further.
“If strike action does go ahead, we will try to ensure customers are provided with information in advance of any service disruption.”
Unite said it has repeatedly warned both the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) that the current two per cent offer is unacceptable amid the deepening cost of living crisis with inflation soaring to 11.8 per cent.
Unite has welcomed movement by COSLA in calling for a higher pay offer of five per cent if the Scottish Government allocates extra cash to fund an improved pay offer. However, the trade union is demanding that council leaders fight harder for a fairer share for local government workers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The message for both the Scottish Government and COSLA is crystal clear: thousands upon thousands of members won’t tolerate real terms pay cuts anymore, and they have had enough. Our members are being forced to take this action due to a derisory pay offer, and we will support them in this fight for better jobs, pay and conditions in local government.”
It is reported that more than half of Scotland’s 250,000 council workers are earning less than £25,000 a year for a 37-hour week. Unite previously warned all new council leaders if they do not act to improve pay, they will see strikes this summer.
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