Speaking ahead of the eve of the one day strike on Wednesday 20th August of local government and civil service workers, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith today called for the employers to return to the negotiating table with wage offers reflecting the real prices increases being faced by public sector workers in Scotland.
He said:
“A quarter of Scotland’s low paid workers are employed in the public sector. They simply cannot afford the massive increases in food, housing and fuel prices on a 2 or 2.5% wage rise.
“I am confident that workers from local government, the Scottish Government and Scottish registers will send a resounding message to the employers on Wednesday and that other workers and members of the general public will show their support on the picket lines and the rallies that have been organised for the 20th.”
ENDS
For further information contact Dave Moxham 07891 026870
Notes
A public sector worker with take home pay of £200 a week would be between £50 and £60 per month worse off in real terms at the conclusion of the proposed 3 year deals.
Many local government workers will find themselves dangerously close to the minimum wage if the current offer is not improved.
Details of the picket lines and rallies can be accessed at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/pay2008/events.html