Following a meeting of trade unions representing public sector workers held at the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) in Glasgow this morning (5th August 2008), STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“The ballots of local government employees in Scotland have confirmed the determination of members to achieve a just settlement in the current pay negotiations. The industrial action planned for the 20th August will be an important event in the campaign. For our part the STUC will be supporting the local government affiliates (Unison, GMB & Unite) in maximising the impact of the action to secure a speedy and fair settlement for employees in local government in Scotland.
“The PCS trade union, representing its Scottish Government members, will be considering taking further action on the same date in support of their pay claim.
“It is our sincere hope that the Scottish local government employers and the Scottish Government will return to the negotiating table with offers which recognise the just pay claims of these vital workers and the planned actions can be avoided. Low pay traps Scottish families in poverty, and the STUC believes there is an opportunity for the employers to really make a difference in tackling these inequalities.”
ENDS For further information contact Ann Henderson 0141 337 8100