Strike ballot opens for Ayrshire council staff after 'pitiful' pay offer
Workers across all three of Ayrshire's councils are being balloted for strike action after rejecting a "pitiful" pay offer. Unison members will be receiving formal ballot papers from Thursday (May 1) as they choose whether to vote for strike action over pay. Local government employer body Cosla had offered all council workers in Scotland a three per cent increase for 2025-26 - less than half the pay claim Unison was looking for. More than 82,000 workers across all 32 councils will have the opportunity to take part in the ballot until June 12 and a result is expected shortly after. Unison say a recent consultation showed 92 per cent of members were in favour of strike action. David O'Connor, Unison Scotland co-lead for local government, said: 'Dedicated council staff have seen the value of their pay fall for more than a decade, as wages failed to keep pace with the cost of living. "These workers deliver high-quality, vital services to communities, despite increasing pressures, dwindling resources and significant staffing shortages. 'Cosla's offer only adds to the real financial hardship faced by employees, especially with rent, council tax and energy bills continuing to soar. 'Strike action is always a last resort, but local government workers have been underpaid and undervalued for far too long. Cosla and the Scottish government need to step up and offer a decent wage increase that reflects the value of these workers.' Susanne Gens, chair of Unison Scotland's local government committee, said: 'Staff have indicated overwhelmingly that they've reached their limit. They can't afford to shoulder the burden of real-terms pay cuts. 'Local government workers are the glue that holds communities together and provide essential services on which everyone relies. "The Scottish Government and Cosla must recognise their worth and respond with a fair pay offer that values these essential workers.' Cosla was contacted for comment. When the ballot was first announced, a spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: 'We are aware of the industrial action ballot and await notification of the outcome.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson added: 'We are continuing to closely monitor the situation with regard to the pay offer for local government employees. 'It would be inappropriate, at this stage, to comment further.' East Ayrshire Council declined to comment. Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
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