Food banks are being set up in Glasgow’s cleansing depots as workers struggling with the cost of living crisis continue to rely on emergency food parcels.
GMB convenor, Chris Mitchell, has warned that strike action is necessary to resolve the pay dispute with COSLA who have “thrown workers to the wolves” as they failed to bring a new pay offer to the table today.
It comes as around 20 members of the trade union staged a protest at the Western Depot in Yorkhill this afternoon, calling for a “better pay rise, better working conditions and a better future” for themselves and their families.
READ MORE: Glasgow cleansing workers to stage depot protests over pay dispute
During the protest, workers could be heard repeatedly shouting “strike” as they waved banners, placards and flags supporting their cause. An inflatable giant rat, used during previous demonstrations, could also be seen.
It comes following the results of a ballot paper last week which confirmed that Glasgow is set to be hit by strike action which could impact cleansing, catering, janitorial, support staff and cleaners who rejected a 2 percent pay increase by COSLA.
Glasgow convenor Chris Mitchell said: “The anger is just growing right across the country and I can’t see any way out of this apart from strike action.
“We are absolutely disgusted that no new pay offer has been made today. This will cause a lot of discontent in the workforce and the fact COSLA has flung low paid workers to the wolves.
“I think the Scottish Government and COSLA are going to have to realise that these workers work extremely hard. They do their civic duty for their city. They are unique workers who have already faced years and years of austerity.
“We’ve got guys going to foodbanks. I have never seen that and I have been here for a long time. There are guys who are maybe a bit more fortunate than others bringing in food parcels.
“A few months ago a guy brought a full food parcel in and left it in the canteen. Usually that would be flung in the bin but it was taken within five minutes. There’s no shame anymore. This is a dirty job but we look after each other.”
GMB Scotland says that the “ongoing inaction” will only cause more fear and anger as members suffer from debt, fuel poverty and hunger which is expected to get worse as inflation rises.
Responding to the outcome of today’s COSLA leaders meeting, GMB Scotland Senior Organiser Keir Greenaway said the decision would anger members who don’t feel valued for the job they do.
Mr Greenaway said: “The ongoing inaction on pay will only increase the anger and fear among our members – anger about the total lack of value being shown to them and fear about what the winter will bring.
“In the six months since the 2 percent was rejected, staff have suffered badly in a cost-of-living crisis that’s now spiralling out of control. More of our members are affected by debt, fuel poverty, and hunger, and this will only get worse with further rises to inflation and energy bills.
“This is also exposing a huge gulf between our political leaders and frontline workers. It is shameful that swathes of our public services are delivered by people in working poverty and it’s disturbing that our political leaders won’t confront it.
“This crisis will turn into a catastrophe for tens of thousands of key workers, and more councils will face more strikes, unless a significantly improved pay offer is tabled.”
COSLA has been approached for comment.
READ MORE:
- Glasgow woman diagnosed with brain tumour after collapsing in garage forecourt
Glasgow man in £1m lottery win says he owes it all to late mum’s sound advice
Luxury home in Glasgow suburb is one of the most viewed homes for sale in the UK right now
Girls, 14 and 12, hit by car on Thornliebank Road in Glasgow south side
Highway Code rule warning as drivers could be fined for common manoeuvre
