Council workers are balloted over new pay offer

Nov 6 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

BALLOT papers have been issued to over 6000 Unison members in South Lanarkshire over a pay dispute.

Members have been asked for their view of the latest local government pay offer.

The union is recommending that members reject Cosla’s three per cent for 2008 and 2.5 per cent for 2009.

The new offer comes following two successful one-day strikes by the union.

Selective action planned by Unison members was suspended to allow consultation to take place.

Stephen Smellie, Unison’s South Lanarkshire branch secretary, said: “This offer is not a good offer especially when inflation is riding around five per cent, but our negotiators felt that we should put it before our members in a full postal ballot.

“It is clear from employers’ statements that they are digging in for a major dispute, and we will be telling our members that increased and longer strike action will be needed to deliver an offer that protects them from the major rises they have experienced in food, heating and fuel.”