More than 70,000 local government workers in Scotland face a decision over potential industrial action. UNISON Scotland has opened a digital ballot asking council staff whether they want to begin a formal ballot process. It is the first step toward a strike that could lead to mass walkouts before summer.

Council workers are given little choice. They must decide whether to back a move that could push Cosla, the local government employer body, and the Scottish government to offer a stronger proposal. Cosla has offered a 3% pay rise for 2025-26. This offer comes at a time when rising inflation, steep energy costs and higher council taxes have squeezed wages. UNISON claims that in real terms, the pay rise amounts to a wage cut. The union further points out that the proposal does little to reach a minimum rate of £15 per hour for those in local government.

UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Colette Hunter expressed the union’s resolve. “We’re determined to avoid strike action, but Cosla and the Scottish government must make a significantly improved offer, and quickly. Another real terms pay cut is unacceptable. Especially as some councils are set to vote on double figure pay rises for councillors. We need a revised offer that demonstrates invaluable contributions of council staff too. We must also address systemic low pay that has eroded living standards for far too long. We are ready to engage in constructive discussions, but it’s only the prospect of industrial action that prompts action from COSLA and the Scottish government.”

The consultative ballot opened on Monday, 10 March, and will run until Thursday, 27 March. UNISON represents more than 80,000 council staff across Scotland and over 150,000 members in various public sectors including education, the NHS, social care, police, water and energy. The union is known as Scotland’s largest public service trade body.

The coming weeks hold high stakes for council staff and the public service landscape in Scotland. The workers’ decision may soon pave the way for further talks or mark the start of a widespread walkout.