Improved deal reached after Glasgow City Council fire and rehire scandal

Glasgow City Council and union members have reached an improved deal after a breakdown in pay talks led to a threat to fire and rehire thousands of workers.

The council has agreed not to issue fire-and-rehire notices while Unison puts the latest proposals to a vote.

Following an intervention by the Scottish Government, pay protection has been extended to three years, with further talks to continue over issues including lower-paid workers, allowances, unevaluated jobs, and the operation of the new pay model.

It comes after plans to introduce a new pay and grading system sparked a major dispute between the council and unions.

The proposals affect around 23,000 staff, with around 11% facing a potential pay reduction, including some workers who could lose more than £10,000 a year.

The existing pay system was previously found to discriminate against predominantly female workers.

Unison is preparing to ballot its members this month over the course of four weeks.

Glasgow branch secretary Chris Sermanni said: “Unison stood firm because Glasgow’s workers deserved better than what was originally put on the table.

“That position has secured significant movement. Staff will have three years’ pay protection* and further commitments around workers facing detriment.

“There’s now a path for Unison members to give their verdict without the immediate threat of dismissal and re-engagement hanging over them.”

Glasgow City Council leader Ricky Bell said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reach agreement with Unison.

“This deal means we are able to remove the unpalatable prospect of fire and rehire, with proposals put to members in a ballot later this month.

“This is a strong and fair deal. Both GMB and Unite have already agreed to take it to their members and, with all three unions now engaging with their memberships, we are moving closer to the outcome we have always wanted to achieve: ending pay discrimination in Glasgow City Council once and for all.

“The additional support from the Scottish Government has helped unlock this agreement, but it has also taken months of intensive negotiations and a willingness from all parties to find common ground. I want to thank the unions for their engagement in helping us reach this point alongside the officers in the Council who have worked tirelessly to get us to this positive outcome.

“Ultimately, it is now for union members to have their say. While there is no further money to come as part of this package, I look forward to the outcome of the ballots in the coming weeks.

“We have always been clear that our goal is to deliver a fair, sustainable pay and grading system that works for employees and protects vital public services. We are now closer than ever to achieving that.”