West Lothian key workers who kept the country going during the pandemic now face having to live in poverty because of the cost of living crisis.
Many frontline staff who were applauded on doorsteps across the land are now on the breadline, according to a study by the GMB.
The union said a proposed two per cent pay rise for carers, refuse collectors and school staff is far below the inflation rate and is not enough to cover huge hikes in the price of food, energy and fuel.
The GMB probe found 3531 in West Lothian are earning under £25,000 for a 37-hour week.
The Daily Record reported that GMB Scotland senior organiser Keir Greenaway said: “The biggest cost-of-living crisis in over 30 years could turn into a catastrophe for tens of thousands of low-paid workers in local government.
“The two per cent pay increase on the table from council bosses won’t amount to more than a tenner a week for the likes of school cleaners and caterers, cleansing workers, and home carers.
“Key workers are already feeling the pain and with the prospect of further increases to already eye-watering energy costs when we head into the cold winter months, more and more workers will go from the frontline to below the breadline.
“That’s an appalling prospect and one GMB won’t leave unchallenged.”
The union said members have rejected the two per cent offer, made by councils via their umbrella group Cosla, and are prepared to take strike action.The Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD) said a person is living in poverty when their income, after housing costs, is less than 60 per cent of the national average salary, currently £31,400.
The GMB estimates about 50,000 council workers in Scotland live below the £18,800 a year threshold and many workers in the private sector face similar challenges.
Neil Cowan of the Poverty Alliance, which helps firms to become Living Wage employers, said: “Politicians say work is a route out of poverty but that’s only true if it provides an income that meets the real needs of households.
“Every person working in Scotland deserves an income that keeps them and their households above the rising tide of poverty.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We are not involved in local government pay negotiations. Pay settlements for council workers – excluding teachers – are a matter for Cosla.”
Cosla said: “We remain in ongoing discussions with our trade union colleagues in relation to pay.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
