Unions warn of severe impacts on public services as negotiations stall over pay and hours.
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In a developing situation that could significantly impact public services in Aberdeen, workers at the Aberdeen City Council are being warned of potential industrial action due to a proposed pay freeze and a reduction in working hours. The council’s management has suggested a shift from a 37-hour workweek to a 35-hour workweek, but this change comes with the controversial stipulation of a standstill on wages, raising concerns among unions about the long-term implications for the lowest-paid staff.
Unions express concerns over pay freeze
The unions representing the council’s workforce, including GMB, Unison, and Unite, have voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes. They argue that the pay freeze, which could last for years, would disproportionately affect the lowest-paid workers, many of whom earn around £15 an hour.
Union representatives have highlighted that this freeze could cost these workers approximately £1,500 annually, exacerbating the financial strain on already vulnerable employees.
Sean Robertson, the GMB Scotland organiser for Aberdeen, has urged the council’s leadership to abandon what he describes as “bullying tactics” related to employment terms. He has called for explicit assurances that the council will not resort to “fire and rehire” practices, which would force employees to reapply for their positions under less favorable conditions. The lack of clarity from the council has left workers feeling anxious about their job security and financial futures.
Impact on public services and community welfare
As negotiations between the unions and the council have stalled, there are growing fears about the potential fallout on public services. Union officials have warned that reducing the working hours of full-time staff without increasing headcount could lead to a significant decline in service delivery. Karen Davidson, Unison branch secretary, emphasized that the equivalent of losing 187 full-time workers could severely hinder the council’s ability to provide essential services to the community.
The implications of these changes could be dire, with overflowing bins, inadequate support for vulnerable populations, and disrupted infrastructure projects becoming a reality if workers decide to strike. The unions have indicated that they are prepared to take action if their concerns are not addressed, which could lead to widespread disruptions in vital public services.
Future of negotiations and potential strike action
The council’s management has stated that the proposed changes are necessary to achieve significant savings in the coming years. However, the unions argue that the current approach unfairly places the burden of financial difficulties on the workforce. With the collective bargaining process having reached an impasse, the unions are now considering their options, including potential strike ballots.
As the situation unfolds, the pressure is mounting on the council’s leadership to provide clarity and reassurance to their employees. If the unions do not receive satisfactory responses soon, the threat of industrial action looms large, which could have far-reaching consequences for the city of Aberdeen and its residents.
