|
Solidarity with Local Government Workers |
|
The local government shutdown in Scotland on the 20th of August will see up to 200,000 workers taking action against an insult - masquerading as a pay offer.
The Employers (CoSLA) have offered a derisory 2.5% annual rise for the next 3 years. CoSLA is led by a coalition of SNP and Labour councillors.
This action will be the biggest strike action in Scotland since the huge strike day in March 2006 in defence of pensions.
The ballot for action across the unions, UNISON, GMB & Unite, returned big majorities of 70% to strike. Council workers have had enough of year upon year below inflation pay rises, in effect pay cuts.
Inflation
Inflation is at 5% with the costs of food, fuel, rents and mortgages rising even faster. The current offer is a pay cut for all council workers and over the three years it could mean a real cut in wages of over 7%. A huge number of council workers are low paid with thousands earning less than £15,000.
Politicians from all the big business parties like to make headlines in the media claiming they value public services and public sector workers yet when it comes to putting their money where their mouth they suddenly go quiet.
We should not be taken in by the excuses of having no money. Last year, councils made at least £82 million in “efficiency savings”. Savings that council workers were forced to deliver. We demand that this money is invested in those that provide the vital services in our communities.
Escalate the action
Only a big show of strength today and if necessary an escalation of the action can win a better deal. The politicians that hold the purse strings cannot be influenced or persuaded to give us what we deserve through negotiation. It is only determined united action that can force them into meaningful talks than can deliver. We should do all we can to coordinate our action with other trade unionists fighting the pay cut policy like the PCS?and others. A one-day national public sector shutdown would send a powerful message.
Break the link
Union leaders cannot continue to maintain the illusion of influence with Labour. UNISON, GMB & Unite are amongst the biggest donors to the coffers of the Labour Party. Members quite rightly ask “what do we get for our money?” The answer is clear, more attacks on our pay and services. It is time to end the link with Labour and build a mass force that will stand up for workers and public services.
Jim McFarlane
Chair Dundee City UNISON
(personal capacity)
Solidarity will be organising meetings in areas across Scotland on Wednesday. Check the website in the coming days for more information
|
| You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. | You are not authorized to view this resource.
You need to login. |
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
| Results 4 - 4 of 330 |
Events Calendar
