Branch to consult on pay action after employers reject claim

UNISON Scotland Local Government leaders have announced a consultative ballot of members in local government on pay.

The Branch will now ask our members whether to ballot for industrial action in support of an improved offer for this year, or whether the focus should be on building a campaign of action in support of our 2015/16 pay claim.

The ballot will run from 9th June and close on 7th July. It will be a postal ballot to members home addresses and UNISON's Local Government Committee is urging members to support a full industrial action ballot.

Inez Teece

Inez Teece, Branch Secretary and Vice-Chair of the Scottish Local Government Committee said, "The Scottish Employers have rejected UNISON’s 2014 Pay Claim for £1 per hour and consolidation of the living wage. It is their view that pay has been settled until April 2015. This is because, after UNISON members accepted a 1% rise in 2013 in good faith, the employers imposed 1% for 2013 and 2014.

“The decision to move to a consultative ballot was taken at a meeting of all council branches. We want all our members to have a say on how we go forward to challenge the erosion of our pay over the past four years.

UNISON Family Benefits Fair - A fun day enjoyed by all

UNISON's first local Family Fair was hailed a great success both for those who came in to browse the stalls and enjoy the activities, and for the stall holders who were able to build networks for the future.

Local Organiser, Lyndsey Wallace said, "There was a steady flow of people, both adults and children, who came through the doors. They learned a lot about the money saving benefits of UNISON membership, and the kids had a ball at the fun activities.

"There was also time for the people on the stalls to talk to each other and some good links were made which can only benefit our members in the future."

Lyndsey thanked all those involved in helping to run the event and those who staffed the stalls.

"We will now looked to build from this event to let more and more of our members know what UNISON has to offer them," said Lyndsey.

May Day celebrates solidarity across borders as polticians, trades unionists and citizens take to the streets

 The banners and flags of dozens of trades unions and community groups made a colourful display as Aberdeenshire UNISON joined hundreds of marchers as they snaked down Union Street in Aberdeen to celebrate International Workers Day, and to call for solidarity across borders.

Shoppers again stopped to watch and wave, as the Guarana Drummers led the march from the West End to a rally at the Castlegate.


Here, speakers spoke passionately against the austerity measures of this UK Government which have hit ordinary people the hardest with cuts to welfare and poverty pay whilst the richest increase their wealth by £190 billion.

Click here for a full report of the March and Rally

Click here to see more photos on Picasa