Bitter pay dispute posing strike threat to council services

Council services across Tayside and Fife could be hit this month by a bitter pay dispute.

Public services union Unison has warned strike action could see vital buildings closed.

Schools in Angus could be affected, while holiday staples such as libraries, leisure centres and other amenities in Dundee, Fife and Perth and Kinross are being targeted.

Unison is to stage the national day of action on October 21.

The biggest union in Scottish local government is protesting at members’ low pay and is drawing up plans for tens of thousands of staff to take part in the 24-hour stoppage. It wants every worker to receive an extra £1 an hour above the 1% April pay award.

Union leaders appear to have ruled out action which could affect “life and limb” services such as care homes and meals-on-wheels.

All other council services including housing and social work and leisure and cultural services will be affected.

Only schools in Angus, which return from the autumn holidays the day before the mooted strike action, will be affected because vital administrative, clerical and janitorial staff are members of Unison.

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