Frustration mounts among council staff as pay freeze and hours cut loom large

Background of the Dispute

The city of Aberdeen is currently facing a significant crisis as council workers express their frustration over proposed changes to their pay and working hours. The local authority’s decision to reduce the standard working week from 37 hours to 35 hours, coupled with a pay freeze, has sparked outrage among employees.

This situation has escalated to the point where many workers are now considering strike action as a means of protesting these unfavorable changes.

Understanding ‘Fire and Rehire’

At the heart of the controversy is the contentious practice known as ‘fire and rehire’, formally referred to as ‘dismissal and re-engagement’.

This tactic allows employers to dismiss workers and then rehire them under new, often less favorable, contract terms. Unions argue that this practice disproportionately affects employees, forcing them to choose between job security and accepting terms that could leave them worse off financially. As the Labour UK Government moves to outlaw this practice nationwide, the Aberdeen council has yet to commit to eliminating it from their negotiations.

Impact on Workers and Services

The implications of these proposed changes are profound, particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community. With approximately 3,300 full-time staff affected, the potential for service disruption looms large. Union surveys indicate that a significant portion of employees already work beyond their contracted hours, and many fear that the proposed changes will lead to increased workloads without adequate compensation. This situation could exacerbate existing issues, with some workers already relying on food banks to make ends meet. Union leaders warn that if strike action is taken, it could lead to chaos in the city, with essential services grinding to a halt.

Union Response and Future Actions

In response to the council’s proposals, union leaders have mobilized their members, with nearly 90% of GMB Scotland members supporting industrial action. The unions argue that the council’s refusal to abandon the ‘fire and rehire’ policy is a significant point of contention that must be addressed before any resolution can be reached. As negotiations continue, the threat of strikes looms large, with unions prepared to take action if their demands are not met. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of ongoing discussions will be critical in determining the future of council services in Aberdeen.