Glasgow homelessness workers reach agreement with council

UNISON have announced that the striking homelessness caseworkers have voted to accept a new offer from Glasgow City Council.

After 17-weeks of action, the new offer secures the central demand of the dispute – parity on grade 6 with other frontline social care staff.

The offer creates 68 new grade six posts. The three temporary caseworkers whose substantive posts are grade four will be given permanent grade five posts elsewhere in the homeless service.

There will be a reduction in management posts through voluntary early retirement.

Branch secretary Brian Smith said: “The strike has been successful in winning a £1,000 increase following the assessment process, rising to £5,000 by 2018.

“In addition, the council has been forced to concede an acceptable number of grade six posts.

“The assessment process and the lack of any backdated money are a disappointment. In a climate of huge cuts to local government and against a hard-nosed management who tried to undermine the action by using other agencies, then the overall outcome of the strike should be celebrated.

“The 70 strikers conducted themselves magnificently. The UNISON Glasgow branch is so proud of them – we know that many others across the trade union movement feel the same.”