Scottish ministers strive to prevent Unison council strikes

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison expressed disappointment over Unison's rejection of a local government pay deal, which offered either a 67p hourly increase or a 3.6% salary rise. This decision, made by 86% of Unison members, raises the possibility of strikes among council staff, particularly affecting waste and recycling services and non-teaching school staff. Robison emphasized that the Scottish Government has allocated as much funding as possible to prevent disruptive industrial action, highlighting the financial pressures faced by the government in funding public sector pay deals. The Scottish Government's financial strategy includes making approximately £500 million in budget cuts to accommodate the expected £800 million cost of public sector pay increases. Robison noted that the government is also considering utilizing up to £460 million from the ScotWind scheme, which involves leasing parts of the Scottish seabed for offshore wind projects. However, she clarified that the extent of this funding would depend on the level of support provided by the UK Government for public sector pay. Robison pointed out that while the pay deal was accepted by GMB union members, Unison's rejection indicates a divide among unions regarding the fairness of the offer. She urged local government representatives, Cosla, to continue discussions with Unison to avert potential strikes, which could lead to significant disruptions in public services, including school closures. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Scottish Government in balancing budget constraints with the need to adequately compensate public sector workers, amidst rising inflation and economic pressures.