Scottish Teachers and Waste Workers Strike Looms: Swinney’s Constituency Targeted

Unions representing school and waste staff in Scotland are escalating their pay dispute with the Scottish Government. Unison, representing thousands of workers, has rejected the government’s 3.6% pay offer and is threatening industrial action. The union has strike mandates in 13 local authorities, with the First Minister’s constituency set to be the first target. Unison claims the offer is inadequate, particularly after years of pay cuts, and argues for a pay rise comparable to other public service workers. The union is concerned about the impact on morale and service delivery, highlighting the strain on staff who are expected to deliver more with fewer resources. The GMB union has accepted the offer, but Unite the Union is yet to announce its decision. The Scottish Government maintains that the offer is fair and above inflation, and encourages all parties to seek a resolution.