Glasgow City Council Leader Warns 'No More Money' Available in Equal Pay Dispute
Council Leader Ricky Bell has stated that the local authority and the Scottish Government cannot offer any further funding as workers vote on a new pay and grading structure.
The grand stone facade and clock tower of Glasgow City Chambers against a blue sky. Stock image · Photograph: Photo by Dorin Seremet on Unsplash
Glasgow City Council has reached the limit of available funding as trade unions ballot their members over a proposed pay and grading scheme, Council Leader Ricky Bell confirmed during a full council meeting on Thursday.
Thousands of council employees are currently voting on the implementation of the new structure, designed to replace a 2006 framework that discriminated mainly against female staff. Under the proposals, approximately 11% of workers face a reduction in pay, with the largest individual wage drop estimated at around £11,500.
Responding to Labour group leader Councillor Rashid Hussain, who asked for a guarantee that the council would not dismiss and re-engage staff to implement the changes, Councillor Bell stated his focus remains on securing a collective agreement with the three trade unions.
The council previously confirmed an agreement with the joint trade unions had removed the necessity to consider dismissing and re-engaging employees.
However, Councillor Bell cautioned that the local authority has reached the maximum sum it can afford, adding that the Scottish Government had already intervened during previous negotiations to fund an improved pay protection period and will not supply any additional finance if the ballot is rejected.