Negotiators for the City of Calgary have improved their offer to 10.5% over three years in response to an overwhelming strike vote by the union representing 5,600 city workers. However, the union says the city has failed to address other critical issues, such as work from home. Discussions are ongoing, and a meeting with a provincial mediator is scheduled for June 5.
GMB Scotland members have voted overwhelmingly in favor of holding a formal vote on strikes if the upcoming council pay offer is not deemed credible. The union warns that the current offer of less than 3% is unacceptable, especially when compared to the 6% pay increase given to MSPs. Despite hopes that council leaders would act with urgency this year, GMB Scotland’s senior organizer in public services, Keir Greenaway, says the same mistakes are being made, leading to rising support for industrial action. The union has members across all areas of council workforces, including many in frontline roles such as care and cleansing services. A Scottish Government spokesperson urges all parties involved to work together for a fair and affordable agreement, while a spokesperson for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities confirms that council leaders will meet this Friday to consider the pay claims.
