UNISON Scotland, the largest public service trade union in the country, has announced a strike by workers from Blue Triangle Housing Association scheduled for Wednesday, April 1. The strike is a response to ongoing issues related to pay and staffing in the social care sector, which the union claims is struggling to recruit and retain employees due to wages that are only slightly above the minimum wage and have not kept pace with inflation.

On the same day as the strike, social care workers in Scotland will see their hourly rates increase from £12.60 to £13.45, aligning with the Real Living Wage. UNISON argues that the skilled workforce at Blue Triangle provides essential support to vulnerable individuals, yet their compensation does not reflect the responsibilities and emotional demands of their roles. The most recent pay offer for staff included a 2% increase for the 2024/25 fiscal year and a 1% increase for 2025/26.

Jennifer McCarey, UNISON Scotland’s social care lead, stated that the care sector is in crisis, highlighting the gap between government promises for fair pay and the reality faced by workers. She noted that underfunding has exacerbated the situation, affecting charities like Blue Triangle. Last year marked the first national strikes in over a decade for the Scottish care sector, indicating a growing frustration among staff.

Robbie Burgess, a support worker and UNISON representative, emphasized the need for fair compensation, stating that the government had promised to address these issues back in 2021. The strike will impact 36 services across 12 local authorities, underscoring the significant reach of the labor action within the sector.