UCATT, the largest union representing local authority craftworkers in Scotland, have begun balloting their members for strike action in a pay dispute.

The strike action was called after employers refused to improve their pay offer of just 2.45% for a pay increase in 2007. Employers also refused to make any increases in other allowances workers received and refused to implement a 37-hour week for all Scottish local authority craft workers.

-- Advertisement --

All of UCATT's Scottish local authority craftwokers are being balloted and are being asked if they support strike action and if they support industrial action short of strike action. The ballot closes on May 12.

Harry Frew, regional secretary for UCATT’s Scottish region, said: "The employers have treated our hardworking members with aloof disdain. With living costs increasing all the time our members have been forced to resort to considering strike action in order to ensure they receive a fair wage."

UCATT members are particularly unhappy that local government bosses have failed to resolve the matter in the correct calendar year.

(GK/JM)