Aberdeen City Council workers back strike action over 'fire and rehire' threat
90% of GMB's members voted in favour of taking action.
Hundreds of workers at Aberdeen City Council have overwhelmingly backed strike action to oppose 'fire and rehire' threatened by bosses.
GMB Scotland announced the results of a ballot of its members at the local authority today, with almost 90% of workers backing industrial action unless the council lifts the threat of imposing new contracts on staff.
The union said the vote "reflected the anger of workers" and their determination to oppose plans to impose a pay freeze while introducing a shorter working week.
It added it would cost frontline workers up to £1500 per year.
Sean Robertson, GMB Scotland organiser at Aberdeen City Council, said: “The overwhelming support for strike action is no surprise given the council’s stubborn refusal to withdraw the threat of fire and rehire.
“Giving staff the choice of accepting a new contract or dismissal is no choice at all.
“It is bullying and intimidation which no decent employer, in the public or private sector, would even consider.
“Our members have voted overwhelmingly to oppose these threats and we would urge councillors and officials to understand the strength of opposition, the possible implications and think again.”
The GMB Scotland ballot revealed 88% of members in non-education roles backed strike action to oppose “fire and rehire” which was also supported by 71% of janitorial staff in the city’s chools.
The union, which has already withdrawn its endorsement of Aberdeen City Council as a Fair Work employer meeting Scottish Government’s workplace guidelines, said strikes could now be called with potential to disrupt services from cleansing and crematoriums to social work and road maintenance.
Talks are planned between council officials and staff unions, including GMB Scotland, on Friday.
Aberdeen City Council said 'fire and rehire' has never been suggested by the council and it wouldn't be considered unless all other options had been exhausted.
A spokesperson said: “Dismissal and re-engagement has not been suggested by the Council during any consultation, engagement or discussions that have been taking place.
“Whilst it is one possible lawful route to implementing a contractual change, the Council would not consider dismissal and re-engagement without having exhausted all possible other routes. The goal is to reach an agreement through this consultation process with employees and trade unions, whose feedback has already improved and amended the original proposal.”
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