Unison demands ‘properly funded’ deal at Glasgow City Council

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After nine years of discussions aimed at resolving injustices caused by a botched 2006 attempt to tackle equal pay, which left the city council with a £770 million compensation bill, a new pay and grading structure was passed earlier this month.

But it did not have union support and controversially included the soon to be outlawed fire and rehire option.

In the teeth of union opposition, the council announced last week it would fire and rehire all but teaching staff — more than 23,000 — last week, only to be forced into a climb-down, withdrawing the threat and reopening talks amid widespread outcry.

Setting out his union’s asks as the Acas-sponsored discussions got under way, Glasgow City Unison branch secretary Chris Sermanni said: “Our message going into these talks is simple: address the arrears, put enough money into the pay structure to improve outcomes, and give workers facing detriment meaningful protection.”

Unison Scotland regional organiser Mandy McDowall said: “Workers who have been historically underpaid should not be pitted against colleagues facing substantial reductions in their wages. 

“Our members have to live with the consequences of this settlement, and their voices must be at the heart of what happens next.”

The council’s workforce convener Allan Casey said: “Our goal remains clear: to secure collective agreement on a new pay and grading scheme that is free from discrimination and can be put to the workforce in a ballot.

“Both I and the wider council leadership remain fully committed to working with trade unions and staff to deliver a fairer and more sustainable pay structure for the future.”