Clyde Tunnel workers threaten strike action in pay row
Every day over 60,000 vehicles pass through it which requires specialist workers to operate the control room.
There is a warning the Clyde Tunnel in Glasgow could come to a standstill, unless governing bodies meet control room staff’s pay demands.
Every day over 60,000 vehicles pass through it which requires specialist workers to operate the control room.
Trade unionists at GMB Scotland have started a consultative ballot to decide whether members will strike over a wage dispute.
Control room staff, who monitor all routes in and out of the area, have asked for a 6.5% pay rise, having previously rejected COSLA’s ‘derisory offer’ of 3%.
GMB Scotland convener Chris Mitchell said: “Every year they go through budget cuts and it’s the existing workforce that have to carry the can.
"Public sector local government workers are at the heart of every single community; they clean your streets, they empty your bins, they look after the most vulnerable in society under a lot of pressure because of these cuts.
"I believe quite clearly that they deserve a decent pay rise.”
If workers were to strike, all tunnel monitoring and emergency scenarios would need to be dealt with from somewhere else.
Mitchell made it clear that no one wanted to see strike action, but that this was the position the Scottish Government and COSLA had put them in.
Clyde Tunnel is not just a key route for Glasgow but is vital to the whole west of Scotland road network.
"We are disappointed that the early and fair pay offer of 3% was rejected by our trade unions without consulting their members on it.
"Given the significant challenges Councils and communities are facing, threatening strike action impacting on vital public services is deeply unwelcome.
"Council finances were already under severe pressure following years of funding cuts.
"The additional pressures from increasing demand for services, the proposed reduction in class contact time for teachers, and increased employers’ national insurance costs have only made the situation more difficult.
"We urge the union to reconsider, work constructively with us and adopt a realistic position on pay negotiations."
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