Barrhead News | News | Services disrupted as more strikes on the way?

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 2nd October, 2008 12:30

Services disrupted as more strikes on the way?

By Amanda Keenan

EAST Renfrewshire council services came to a standstill as more than half their workforce went on strike.

Around 2,096 workers including professional, administrative and technical staff were absent from their work last Wednesday.

UNISON members working for East Renfrewshire council took to official picket lines as part of a national pay dispute.

Members submitted a claim for five per cent or £1,000 for one year and additional annual leave but their claim were rejected.

All schools in the town stayed open, although therer was no catering. Barrhead sports centre, library, social work, resource centres and community halls closed and services including planning, building control, environmental health and trading standards were severely disrupted.

Now council workers face more misery as they plan more strikes until the pay dispute is solved.

UNISON bosses claim their members had ‘no other option’ than to strike and claim their members will have to take future strike action.

A spokesman for UNISON said: “This strike is essential and our members have been left with little option but to strike.

“Our members are taking this action very reluctantly. They care deeply about the vital services they provide and those who depend on them and we apologise for any disruption which may be caused.

“Our members instructed UNISON to reject a three year pay offer of 2.5 per cent, issued by local government employers COLSA and we will continue to strike until a better offer is made.

“The 2.5 per cent for each of the next three years does not meet the rise of inflation, makes no attempt to address the problem of low pay and attempts to tie members to a ridged pay deal.”

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire council said: “All East Renfrewshire schools stayed open during the strike but community halls were forced to close. Up to 62.4 per cent of East Renfrewshire’s council workforce were absent from their work on Wednesday September 23.”

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