You will be aware that UNISON’s 70,000 members who work in Scotland’s 32 local councils are to be balloted for strike action over pay. The ballot will open on the 9th and run throughout September. UNISON believes that the 1% pay rise imposed by Scottish councils for 2014 is an insult and simply not good enough. We are holding a fair pay stall in the Murraygate (outside Ladbrokes) on Saturday 13 September 2014 from 12noon - 1pm. We would like to invite you all along to show your support. We would like to invite your trade union branch to send a speaker to support the campaign. All local councillors have also been invited along to show their support. Council workers have seen their pay cut in real terms by around 15% in the last five years, due to the impact of inflation. If our pay had kept pace with inflation, those currently earning £16,600 would be on £19,000 and those on £20,300 would be taking home £23,100. In the last five years gas prices have risen 38%; electricity by 28% and petrol by 12%. We are not all struggling however – in 2013 the bosses of the 100 top UK companies got an average pay rise of 13% in one year! The estimated wealth of the UK’s 1,000 richest people has increased to its highest level ever – these 1,000 people could pay off the UK deficit three times over. It is time for us to fight back and defend our living standards. UNISON’s claim is for an increase of £1 per hour on all pay points – let’s fight for it! Pay rises are also good for our local economy. Research shows that 50% of council workers’ spending is in their local area which supports other workers jobs. Council workers don’t hide their pay rises in tax havens as we need every penny! Please join us tomorrow, Karen Grogan Dundee City Unison
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 09:21:36 +0000