Public services union Unison members recently agreed to be formally balloted for industrial action by a 65 per cent majority following imposition of a 1 per cent pay award effective from April 1, 2014.

The union says this was done outwith the recognised negotiating and bargaining machinery, and that local workers have seen a real terms pay cut of 16 per cent since 2010.

A spokesman for Unison issued a statement this week that sets out the terms of a vote, and why it is being held.

He said: “Members in Scottish Local Government will be balloted on a programme of industrial action in support of an improved pay offer in September this year. The ballot will open on September 9 and close on September 29.

“This is an important time for our members. Cuts to services are a reality in all local authorities, jobs continue to be shed at an alarming rate, terms and conditions are under threat and those members who are left are required to do more for the same or less.” It was almost 14 years ago this week that Unison members went on strike over pay in East Renfrewshire, with an action taking place in 2000.

On that day, schools and public services were affected.

Douglas Black, UNISON Joint Secretary at the Scottish Joint Council said: “Pay remains a priority for this union – now is the time to give that message to our employers and tell them that we will not be treated like this.” Steven Larkin, East Renfrewshire Branch Secretary and Member of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee said: “The employers’ imposed pay award has angered our members who will now be balloted in pursuance of a just and fair settlement in order to redress the substantial loss in earnings since 2010.

“Whilst we welcome the introduction of the Living Wage in 2013, its payment as a supplement means that the hourly rate is not applied to all earnings. For the employers to legitimately claim they are paying the living wage, they must consolidate the living wage in the spinal column points to reflect this as the proper minimum rate of pay.” An East Renfrewshire Council spokeswoman said: “We have been notified of Unison’s intention to ballot its members.

“In the event of industrial action the council would engage with unison to minimise disruption. Each individual department has its own contingency plan in place which would be deployed. The council would also negotiate with the trade union to ensure sufficient staff remain available to provide essential services.”