Most schools in Orkney were closed for three days, 26th, 27th and 28th of September as non teaching school staff, members of the trade union UNISON took industrial action after rejecting the latest pay offer from Local Authority organisation COSLA.
Council Workers Seek Urgent Meeting With First Minister & COSLA over Pay
“COSLA sit on their hands they, and the Scottish government, are sleep walking towards a second year of industrial action.” said Johanna Baxter, UNISON, “No-one wants to see rubbish piling up on the streets again and schools threatening to close.”
Council Strikes Still On The Cards
UNISON has confirmed that strike dates in waste and recycling, schools and early years, that have already been notified to the local authorities will continue as planned during the period of consultation.
Support for Mental Health Still Lacking
Orkney continues to have one of the poorest records for support delivered by Mental Health Officers in Scotland.
Local Government Workers Issue Warning to Council Over Pay
“The first thing in the in-tray for the new council leaders is Unite’s warning that unless there is a change of attitude then we will ballot thousands of our members on industrial action.” Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer
The Council Elections
“There is no doubt the new group of Orkney Islands Councillors elected for the next 5 years, on 5th May, will be substantially different from that of the past few 5 year terms.”