Glasgow City Council's Pay and Benefits Package Faces Union Backlash

Strategic Insights -

Glasgow City Council's bid to introduce a new pay and benefits package for 28,500 workers has been met with resistance from the GMB union. Despite a 52-47% vote to reject the offer by members who participated in a consultative ballot, the low return rate of just 25% of ballot papers has prevented a move to a formal ballot on industrial action. However, union sources indicate that around 75% of members appear to be in favour of the deal, which has been the result of an equal pay settlement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GMB union's consultative ballot on the pay and benefits package saw 52% of members vote to reject the offer, while 47% voted in favour, but only 25% of ballot papers were returned.
  • Union rules prevent a move to a formal ballot on industrial action, as at least two-thirds of all ballot papers must be returned.
  • The returned ballot papers showed 1198 workers in favour of action, while 1084 voted to accept the council's offer.
  • Union sources estimate that around 75% of members appear to be in favour of the deal.
  • The council has promised to provide a backdated cost of living increase in time for Christmas if staff sign up to the package.
  • The union will continue to exert pressure on the council to secure changes to the package that benefit members.
  • Unison has also been balloting 13,000 council workers on the issue, with union leaders urging them to vote for industrial action in support of colleagues facing pay cuts.

Statistics:

  • 28,500 Glasgow City Council workers are affected by the pay and benefits package.
  • 2000 ballot papers were returned out of 8000 sent out to GMB union members.
  • 1198 GMB members voted in favour of industrial action, compared to 1084 who voted to accept the council's offer.
  • The council has promised a backdated cost of living increase in time for Christmas.
  • 75% of GMB members appear to be in favour of the deal, according to union sources.

Sources:

  • "GMB union rejects Glasgow Council's pay deal", Evening Times, (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • A quote from Martin Doran, GMB Scottish organiser.
  • A quote from Steven Purcell, Council Leader.