Scottish services frozen by further strike action

Edinburgh’s public services were brought to a standstill on 24 September for the second time in as many months, as 150,000 public sectors workers went on strike after unions and local authorities failed to reach agreement on a new pay deal.

Twenty-five primary schools, three nurseries and six special needs schools in Edinburgh were forced to close due to the action while, in schools which remained open, concerns were raised over safety as staff normally responsible for cleaning and maintenance were involved in industrial action.

Several city centre roads were closed to make way for a protest march, attended by hundreds of public service workers from across Scotland.

Matt Smith, the UNISON Scotland secretary said that the unions undertook the action with the “greatest of reluctance.”

He said: “Attitudes have hardened on behalf of the unions since last month's day of action because our members feel really let down by the employers. There is not a penny more on the table, despite their public recognition of the need to reconsider the offer.

"They told us five weeks ago that they would make an offer in terms of the increases in inflation, but they have refused to put another penny on the table. Until CoSLA [the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities] makes a better offer, strike action will continue.”

CoSLA is offering a 2.5 percent per year increase; however, unions are demanding a 5 per cent increase which, they say, would be in line with inflation.

CoSLA spokesperson, Cllr Michael Cook has claimed that the deal offered by employers is fair given current financial instability. He said: “We have been in talks over pay for months. We have made an offer in good faith which was in line with inflation when we made it and which was at the top of what councils could afford.

"The Trade Unions rejected it and balloted their members for strike action. We told them we could still talk but they went ahead anyway.

"We are extremely disappointed given the effect this strike will have on the services councils deliver to our local communities."

Cllr Cook also confirmed that CoSLA would look to reinvigorate the stalled negotiations with UNISON quickly, adding: “The issues are difficult and complex and need to be carefully thought through. However, as soon as possible we will arrange talks with the trade unions in a bid to reach a settlement which takes account of the soaring cost of living that affects Councils just as much as our workers."

UNISON estimated around 150,000 public employees took part in the action, which resulted in the closure or partial closure of more than 1,000 schools across the country, in addition to disruption to social services and other vital local resources.

Residents whose rubbish was not collected have also been advised by Edinburgh City Council that they will have to retain their rubbish until the following collection, more than a week later.

The action has been supported by the Scottish Socialist Party, who warn that UNISON have unveiled plans to organise week-long strikes, involving various sections of the council, beginning on 6 October. It is thought that strike action will continue into 2009 if no resolution is found.

UNISON have confirmed that they will stage another one-day strike on 6 October if a deal has still not been agreed.