Glasgow City Council surprised by GMB workers ‘unprecedented’ vote for strike action

Staff at Scotland’s biggest council have voted overwhelmingly to strike over plans to reduce pay and conditions for street cleaners and park workers.

Members of the GMB union were consulted after the local authority tabled proposals to make savings to the city’s budget. In a turnout of 80 per cent, 95 per cent voted for industrial action.

GMB officer Benny Rankin said the shop stewards will now convene a “council of war” to prepare for strikes.

“The streets of Glasgow are already dirty and unkempt because we just don't have enough workers to cope. This spring and summer visitors and residents will be faced with parks, gardens and streets that will be piled high with rubbish.

There has never been such a level of support for strike action in living memory. After years of pay freezes and seeing their standard of living eroded, our members have had enough.”

Cllr Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I’m surprised to hear of these claims from the GMB. When the budget options are put to the council next week, I believe there will be no grounds for the threat of strikes.

“We have consulted with the unions every step of the way and have delivered our pledge of no compulsory redundancies. Staff will also have among the best terms and conditions in the country.

“This is despite having to save £130m over the next two years after the Scottish Government made unprecedented cuts to our budget.”

GMB joined other trade unions in a protest outside parliament last week over cuts to local services as a result of the council tax freeze in the Scottish budget.

Rankin said: “Low paid council workers are not going to pay for the financial crisis in Glasgow. We don't care if the financial problems are down to John Swinney's cuts or failings in Glasgow City Council, enough is enough.”

Both Fife and Stirling councils have indicated front line jobs may be lost.