Date: Thu 31 July 2008

Main local government union likely to announce vote for pay strike tomorrow.

The result of a ballot of 100,000 local government workers across Scotland is likely to deliver a strong 'Yes' vote when it is announced tomorrow, Scotland's local government union UNISON said today.

A meeting of its local government branches being held on Friday will decide the union's next steps in the dispute over pay. The ballot was called after Scotland's local council employers offered a 2.5% rise each year for three years.

All three local council unions (UNISON, GMB and Unite (T&G)) rejected the offer and both the GMB and Unite have announced 'Yes' votes today. Tomorrow's result is likely to confirm the backing of the largest union.

The form of the industrial action will be decided in discussions between the three unions over the next few days, but is likely to comprise a day of all-out strike followed by selective action from key sections of staff.

A UNISON spokesperson said "We fully expect that the ballot of our members will deliver a strong vote in favour of action. Our members are clear that they cannot afford another series of below inflation pay increases. Yesterdays announcements of further major hikes in heating bills will have confirmed the need for the employers to seriously address the shortcomings in their offer. We are likely to have a window of opportunity to see if we can avoid disruptive strikes. I hope the employers take it."

UNISON's local government members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland took strike action over a similar 2.45% offer on 16 and 17 July. The union has also announced that it intends to demand reopening negotiations in the NHS over a three year deal which offers similar rises (2.54% and 2.5%) in years two and three.

ENDS

Notice for editors: UNISON and the other local government unions claimed an increase of 5% or £1,000 (whichever was the greater), from 1 April 2008. Scottish Local Councils have offered an increase of 2.5% a year for the next three years. UNISON organises local government staff in Scotland including social workers, housing staff, library workers, cleansing and environmental protection staff, technicians and trading standards workers, early years workers, cooks, cleaners and classroom assistants.

For further information please contact: Dougie Black, Regional Officer - Secretary, TU negotiators 07958 121 851(m) Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)

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