Unison, the largest union representing Glasgow City Council staff, has recommended members reject a pay and grading package, saying it does not adequately address the losses facing lower-paid workers. Balloting on the offer begins on Monday, with the union's Glasgow City branch voting to recommend rejection despite acknowledging that the package includes some protections secured through negotiations.
The union cited two main concerns. First, it said there is insufficient money in the package to reduce the financial detriment facing staff in lower grades. Second, thousands of members are being asked to vote on the proposals without knowing how the changes will affect them personally, as their jobs have not yet been evaluated. Unison secured a three-year pay protection for all workers through its negotiations and the Scottish government's involvement, but regional organiser Mandy McDowall said the current offer still leaves too many workers behind.
Chris Sermanni, Unison's Glasgow City branch secretary, said important questions remain unanswered. He stated: "While the proposed deal includes some important protections secured through negotiations, the package does not go far enough and we are recommending members vote to reject it." He added that with thousands of jobs still awaiting evaluation, many members cannot properly assess what the proposals mean for them before deciding whether to accept.
The pay dispute follows the council's announcement at the beginning of the month that it would consider firing and rehiring more than 23,000 staff. Glasgow City Council Leader Councillor Ricky Bell defended the package, saying it represents the best deal possible. He noted that wages will stay the same or rise for 90 percent of staff, the package contains hundreds of millions of pounds in back pay and provides three years of protection for staff facing losses. Bell emphasised that the deal would finally eliminate a discriminatory pay scheme the council had operated against its own workers for two decades.
For Glasgow City Council staff, the union's rejection means pay disputes will continue and thousands face uncertainty about their salaries and job security until a new agreement is reached.