| The three main public service unions — Unison, Unite and the GMB — called the 24-hour stoppage after the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities refused to improve an “inadequate” pay offer of 2.5% for the next three years.
The unions, who have around 200,000 members across Scotland, are holding out for an immediate 5% or £1000 rise and an increase in public holidays.
Every council office across Dundee was still in darkness after normal opening time today and all but two city schools were closed.
Householders expecting their bins to be picked up were disappointed and access to community centres, libraries and toilet blocks was severely restricted.
However, lifeline services to the vulnerable were being provided in line with an agreement reached between the unions and Dundee City Council prior to the strike.
Dundee Leisure Trust, which operates the Olympia swimming pool as well as the Lynch, Douglas and DISC sports centres, was operating below capacity with just DISC and Olympia open.
The unions are disputing the status of the trust — they believe the workers are effectively council employees — and had hoped to see all the sports facilities shut.
Pickets were out across the city with Dundee Contracts, Tayside Contracts and the waste management facility at Marchbanks all brought to a standstill.
David Lawson, Unite member at Tayside Contracts, on Clepington Road, said, “The pay offer is a complete shambles. It is a pittance they are offering us.
“I’ve been in contact with the other offices and I’m told it is a very strong turnout.
“There is not a manual worker been through the doors here today. Nobody wants to strike but there comes a point when you have to draw a line in the sand.”
George Barr, union representative at Marchbanks, echoed this view. He said, “It is a ridiculous pay offer. More strikes will follow if the offer doesn’t change.”
At council offices at Tayside House, picketer Shane Mochrie-Cox said the action was having the desired impact.
Unison Dundee branch secretary Rory Malone said he had been out on the picket lines since 6am.
He said all 2500 Unison members in the city had joined the stoppage with hundreds of others from Unite and the GMB. Mr Malone said he believed the picture was similar across the country.
He said, “There has been major disruption to local services in Dundee. Members have stood shoulder to shoulder with the other trade unions and most of the council buildings are closed.”
Mr Malone continued, “Local government services are the best services in Europe. The clear message we are putting to the Scottish Parliament and ministers is if they don’t stand up and listen to us then we will bring them down.”
A City Council spokesperson said, “I can confirm all nurseries, primary and secondary schools are closed with the exception of Kingspark, which had an exemption from the unions, and Claypotts Castle Primary, which is a PPP (public private partnership) school.
“No bin collection or street cleansing services are in operation and council offices and facilities are closed to the public.
“Social care services are continuing to be provided to the very vulnerable.” |
