Swinney’s Constituency Targeted in Strike Action Over Pay Dispute

Council workers in Perth and Kinross, including school and waste staff, are set to strike after rejecting a pay offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). Unions representing these workers argue that the 3.6% pay increase offered is inadequate compared to other public sector workers, some of whom have received a 5.5% raise. Unison, representing council workers, has strike mandates in 13 local authorities, including Perth and Kinross, and is currently deciding on strike dates. The union plans to target First Minister John Swinney’s constituency in hopes of prompting action on the issue. The move comes after thousands of school and early-years workers also rejected the pay offer, with 92% voting in favor of striking. The GMB union has accepted the 3.6% increase, while Unite the Union has yet to make a decision.