Tech & Biz

Scottish council strike sparks disruption

by Amy Judd | August 20, 2008 at 12:45 pm

456 views | 2 Recommendations | 7 comments

Local services in Scotland, such as rubbish collections and the ferries, have been suspended as thousands of council workers have staged a walk-out over their pay.

Up to 150,000 members of the GMB, Unite and Unison unions joined the dispute across the country after rejecting a 2.5% pay deal over three years.

The local government umbrella group Cosla said it was willing to meet with unions to discuss the dispute.

Scottish ministers urged both sides to resolve the matter.

Industrial action was taking place across the Scotland, although the level of disruption differed between council areas.

While teachers are not participating in the strike, many schools are closed, along with libraries and day care centres.

School buses, school dinners and meals on wheels have also been hit in some areas.

Leaflets will also be distributed, but it's unclear at this time what exactly will happen after the 24 hour period ends.

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World_Groove

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 18:29 on August 20th, 2008

As long as it does not disrupt my Scotch supply......

westernsmt

at 01:22 on August 21st, 2008

calmac vessel caledonian isles sits at brodick pier

westernsmt has contributed a photo to this story.

-p-a-u-l-

at 03:51 on August 21st, 2008

www.flickr.com/photos/-p-a-u-l-

-p-a-u-l- has contributed a photo to this story.

Bharfot

at 04:55 on August 21st, 2008

The ferry to Skye is an important element of everyday life for the small village of Mallaig. You ferry workers, don’t give up!

Bharfot has contributed a photo to this story.

WeeMinxy

at 08:52 on August 22nd, 2008

The Caledoninan MacBrayne ferry service is very important to Scottish tourism. It is extremely well run and employees deserve a fair wage, taking inflation into account.

WeeMinxy has contributed a photo to this story.

Racefox

at 03:47 on August 22nd, 2008

This particular ferry service runs from the Isle of Sky to the Outer Hebrides. Apart from taking tourists across I believe this services is a necessary link between the two places to provide not only transport for work, but also supplies for sustainability such as fuel and food. Disruption to this service must result in complete isolation for what is already a remote place out on a limb!

Racefox has contributed a photo to this story.