Thousands of public sector staff in Renfrewshire set to strike

Nov 4 2011 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

GARBAGE collectors, dinner ladies, college staff and social workers in Renfrewshire will be among the millions of people taking part in a national strike later this month.

Members of the Unison trade union have voted overwhelmingly to stage a walkout on Wednesday, November 30.

The UK-wide day of action, organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is a reaction to government plans to change pension rules for public sector workers and increase the retirement age.

The result of the Unison ballot was announced yesterday afternoon, with 78 per cent of members across the UK voting in favour of strike action.

Mark Ferguson, secretary of Unison’s Renfrewshire branch, said: “Unison has more than 4,500 members in Renfrewshire. We are currently finalising the details of what form this strike action will take and how we can be involved in the day of action.”

Teaching union the EIS is to announce the result of its ballot this morning.

If there is a ‘yes’ vote, teachers, college and university lecturers could also strike on November 30.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “There are still several weeks to the proposed strike date and, hopefully, agreement can still be reached through negotiation at national level.

“If the strike does go ahead, we’ll make contingency arrangements.”