UNISON Scotland, e lairgest public service trade union in e kintra, his annoonced a strike by warkers fae Blue Triangle Hoosin Association scheduled for Wadnesday, April 1. E strike is a response tae ongaan issues related tae pey an staffin in e social care sector, fit the union claims is strugglin tae recruit an retain employees due tae wages aat are ainly slichtly abuin the minimum wage an hinna hauden pace wi inflation.

On e same day as e strike, social care warkers in Scotland will see their hourly rates increase fae £12.60 tae £13.45, alignin wi the Real Livin Wage. UNISON argues aat e skilled warkforce at Blue Triangle provides essential support tae vulnerable individuals, yet their compensation disnae reflect the responsibilities an emotional demands o their roles. E maist recent pey offer for staff included a 2% increase for e 2024/25 fiscal year an a 1% increase for 2025/26.

Jennifer McCarey, UNISON Scotland’s social care lead, stated aat e care sector is in crisis, pyntin oot e gap atween government promises for fair pey an e reality faced by warkers. She noted aat unnerfundin his exacerbated the situation, affectin charities like Blue Triangle. Last year merked e first national strikes in ower a decade for e Scottish care sector, indicatin a growin frustration amang staff.

Robbie Burgess, a support warker an UNISON representative, emphasised e need for fair compensation, statin aat e government haed promised tae address these issues back in 2021. E strike will impact 36 services ower 12 local authorities, unnerscorin e significant rax o the labour action wi the sector.