Schools across Stirling could be affected by strike action as support staff vote on a potential walkout over a change to pay and conditions.
Dispute over contract changes
The dispute, led by the GMB union, impacts cleaning and janitorial workers in six council areas, with the union accusing facilities company OCS of bringing in “wide-ranging” changes without engaging in consultation.
The union has also claimed the firm has ignored recognition agreements to impose the changes – which it says is a breach of Scottish Government guidance.
Ballot and union response
John McCartney, GMB Scotland organiser, said members in primary and secondary schools, in East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Inverclyde, Moray and Stirling, are being balloted on industrial action including strikes.
Mr McCartney said: “We are disappointed OCS has chosen to attempt to force these changes into place when there are clear and established channels for worker consultation through their union representatives.
“Instead of opening those channels, managers have ignored long-standing union recognition agreements in an attempt to steamroller force these changes into place without consultation.
“That is in direct breach of the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First guidelines for public sector contractors. It is unacceptable and will not stand.”
Proposed changes and next steps
The union has also written to MPs, MSPs and councillors in an effort to force OCS bosses back around the table after the company introduced a series of contract changes.
The proposed changes are believed to include: wages being calculated on hours worked instead of fixed monthly salaries; mandatory clocking in; and changing the pay day from the 25th of the month to the 14th, meaning FES workers must wait 48 days between September and November wages.
Mr McCartney continued: “These are significant changes with many potential consequences for workers.
“The changes to how and when they are paid, for example, are capable of impacting our members in ways that management have not even discussed never mind addressed.
“Attempting to impose such change unilaterally has caused a great deal of anger and frustration among workers, and that is likely to be reflected in our consultative ballot on industrial action.
“We would urge the company to pause these plans, reengage with our union, and find a fair way forward.”
A spokesman for Stirling Council said: “We’re aware of the current situation and have requested an update from the contractor on this matter.”
OCS were contacted for comment but failed to respond.
