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More than 20,000 Glasgow City Council staff to be fired and rehired after union talks break down
Unions say 23,000 to 25,000 workers could be dismissed and rehired as the council seeks to impose a new pay scheme.
Glasgow City Council will dismiss 23,000 non-teaching staff and issue new contracts to impose a controversial pay and grading scheme after negotiations with trade unions collapsed on Wednesday.
Seeking to resolve a 20-year equal pay saga costing £770 million, the council attempted to implement a non-discriminatory pay structure, but Unison declined to ballot members on the latest offer without providing substantive reason.
While the new scheme sees 90% of staff receive pay raises or maintain current levels, 11% face wage cuts of up to £11,000; GMB and Unite secured an additional £110 million to mitigate detriments.
Describing the move as a "scandalous threat," GMB and Unite warned they will "immediately enter into dispute" if Glasgow City Council proceeds with "fire and rehire" tactics to impose new terms by January 1.
Letters will be sent to staff next week, with new contracts taking effect January 1; Director of Communications Colin Edgar stated officials would withdraw notices if unions agree to ballot members on the enhanced deal.