Police Scotland could be left crippled after a trades union urged civilian staff to strike because trust between the force and workers has “broken down”.
Unison has written to all its members, including the likes of forensic experts and crime analysts, after raising concerns about control room closures, changes to terms and conditions and the restriction of annual leave for 1,700 workers during this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
The move comes as the national force’s oversight body, the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), prepares to publish plans on how to handle planned cuts in funding.
Dundee-based George McIrvine, secretary of Unison police staff Scotland branch, said: “Our members across Scotland are telling us loud and clear that enough is enough.
“Staff are stressed, overworked and under pressure. We will ballot them to gauge their strength of feeling on potential strike action.
“The employer has given us no choice. They are not providing the unions with answers to reasonable questions which we have consistently raised for many months now.”
The union claimed it has been trying to discuss the issues with the new single national force for over a year before it officially came into being.
John Gillies, director of People and Development at Police Scotland, said: “We continue to be committed to discussion and engagement with the trade unions. There are a number of issues on the table currently and both sides have a common understanding of what the key areas are.
“From a management perspective, these are being considered, in conjunction with the Scottish Police Authority, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome and resolution following further engagement with union representatives.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Staff play a vital role in the success of our police service, working hard to protect communities and contribute towards the almost 40-year low in crime.
“Police Scotland and the SPA are responsible for managing the impact of change on staff and they take this role very seriously. We hope dialogue with the unions and staff can continue to discuss issues of concern without the need to ballot members on possible industrial action.”