Dumfries and Galloway Council workers could strike in pay dispute

Council workers could go on strike in the latest dispute over pay.

Unison, which represents tens of thousands of council staff across Scotland, claims it has not had a response to a pay claim it submitted to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) last year.

A cost of living pay increase had been due to begin in April.

Unison’s local government organiser, David O’Connor, said: “COSLA has to understand the growing anger among local government workers over how they are treated year after year in pay negotiations.

“It is no wonder local government workers are left feeling disappointed and frustrated when their employers haven’t even bothered to respond to the pay claim.

“Without investment in the local government workforce there will be no public services – COSLA must recognise local government workers for the vital services they provide and ensure they are fairly rewarded.”

Last year, industrial action by school support staff in Unison led to schools across Dumfries and Galloway being closed before the pay dispute was finally settled.

And the union is warning more industrial action could be taken if the latest row isn’t resolved.

Unison Scotland’s local government chairman, Colette Hunter, said: “It would appear that COSLA has learned nothing from last year’s pay dispute which resulted in school closures across Scotland.

“The last thing anyone wants to do is take strike action, but if COSLA continue to ignore our pay claim then we may be left with no choice.

“While strike action is always a last resort, our local government committee is currently considering all options and preparations for strike action could begin as early as next week.”

A COSLA spokeswoman said: “Council leaders will meet this Friday to consider a report on the SJC pay claims for 2024/25.”