Some West Lothian Council staff could take to the picket line in a dispute over pay.
Council bosses say there is “potential” for some disruption to front line services after industrial action was launched by local government unions, including Unite in West Lothian.
The strikes are set to go ahead from November 8 to 12 and could involve school cleaning, school catering, school janitorial, waste, recycling and fleet maintenance services - however West Lothian Council has stressed only a very small number of workers are Unite members.
A spokesperson said: “There is potential for some disruption to front line services due to this strike action. If strike action does go ahead, we will try to ensure customers are provided with information in advance of any service disruption.”
On Monday local government unions issued notices of industrial action to local authorities across Scotland in a dispute over pay for council workers, notifying COSLA that they have served notices to those authorities effected.
Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite’s members across 11 local authorities will be taking targeted strike action due to the abject failure by COSLA and the Scottish Government to pay workers a fair and decent wage.
“The incredible professionalism and sacrifice by local government workers has not been recognised during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Unite’s members will no longer tolerate being treated as the poor relation in our public services.
“School cleaners, caterers and janitors alongside fleet maintenance, waste and refuse workers are saying enough is enough.
“Let’s be clear that this situation has arisen because COSLA and the Scottish Government are forcing local government workers into taking industrial action due to their derisory pay offer. Both have a duty to get back round the negotiating table with a new offer or industrial unrest is imminent.”
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