UNISON City of Edinburgh branch strongly disagrees with the Scottish Local Government Committee’s recommendation to conclude the 2024/25 pay negotiations with COSLA. This is not just the opinion of your Branch Officers but is the position you have emphasised to us as members of this branch when you overwhelmingly voted to continue the fight for fair pay.
Since receiving this recommendation, we have been inundated with texts, emails and phone calls from you and your colleagues expressing anger and disappointment at the proposal made by the Scottish Local Government Committee. As such, UNISON City of Edinburgh branch are supporting our members by urging you to vote REJECT in the consultative ballot.
Our reason for taking this position comes from the recognition that COSLA consistently fail to consult with us in a meaningful manner and have constantly delayed payment of any new pay claim to the end of each year. So, is it not foolhardy to think this time will be different?
The decision to oppose the recommendation from the Scottish Local Government Committee is not a decision that the UNISON City of Edinburgh branch take lightly but it must be made absolutely clear that our members come first. COSLA’s promises are not guarantees and are not justification to accept another year of low pay.
Ultimately it is up to each member to decide how they will vote and to do that you need to know your options. An email has been sent to you which I hope provides you with a fuller picture, please take the time to read it. Your branch encourages you to vote REJECT in the consultative ballot but be in doubt that whatever decision you make UNISON City of Edinburgh will always fight for you and your fellow members.
David Harrold
Branch Secretary