East Lothian Courier | News | Strikers backed by MSP

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 21st August, 2008 09:35

Strikers backed by MSP

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COUNTY MSP Iain Gray lent his support to a one-day strike by East Lothian Council workers on Wednesday.

The majority of public services such as schools, emergency property maintenance, care homes and environmental protection were said to be unaffected during the 24-hour stoppage.

The largest council union UNISON, and colleagues from GMB and Unite unions, all voted for industrial action as part of a nationwide campaign against the below-inflation pay offer made by Scotland’s councils.

Around 200,000 staff downed tools across the country, in a move that was was supported by Scottish Labour Party leadership contender Mr Gray.

“Due to the current economic problems, people across Scotland are struggling to keep on top of their bills,” he said.

“This pay offer has to be seen within this context and that’s why it’s so important that a fair deal is reached soon. “Employers need to get back round the table to make this happen.

“Local government workers are often the victims rather than the cause of inflation and we should recognise their contribution in key services.”

In East Lothian, council offices in Dunbar, Haddington, Tranent, North Berwick and Prestonpans were closed, with a limited service operating at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh.

Longniddry Library and Musselburgh and North Berwick Sport Centres were closed, and a limited service available at sport centres in Haddington, Prestonpans and Tranent.

Although schools were open and classes continuing as normal, it’s understood that administrative services were suspended in some county schools.

Refuse collections were also unavailable and civic amenity sites closed.

A council spokeswoman said: “A limited number of exemptions had been agreed in advance with the unions to allow essential ‘life and limb’ services to operate.

“We cannot calculate exactly how many staff decided to strike but we do know that 58 per cent of the affected workforce are not union members.”

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