Legal Services
Through GMB and its specialist solicitors, members recover millions of pounds in compensation.
The GMB offers a Legal Freephone Service on 0300 333 0303 - further information is available.
Strike Office: GMB Strike Office, Fountain House, Woodside Crescent, G3 7UJ
If the below FAQ does not answer your question or you would like more information, please contact GMB Scotland on: 0141 332 8641
1. When is the strike?
After an industrial action ballot, you will be notified by GMB with the result and if any strike dates have been agreed.
2. If the strike falls on my days off, what does this mean?
Members should attend a picket line at their workplace but because you are not scheduled to work, you will not lose money. If you are asked to work on those days to cover the strike you should refuse.
3. Why are we going on strike?
GMB and Unison have balloted for strike action due to Glasgow’s failure to resolve historic and ongoing pay inequality in the employee’s terms and conditions.
We want to see real progress in resolving some key issues, including interim payments for those that have been discriminated against.
4. What will happen on strike days?
Members should attend a picket at their workplace from roughly 7am. If you do not have a workplace, you are advised to attend a picket/ protest where 'your work is administered' i.e. Blair Court.
However, more information of picket lines and demonstrations is available via our strike office and strike hotline.
Members will have placards, banners, balloons, high vis's and all different things to show their union colours. These will be available from next week for members to collect from the strike office and members are encouraged to organise amongst other local members to distribute materials amongst colleagues.
5. Do I have to be on a picket line?
All members should be on picket lines and supporting the strike in any way they can including in the run up to the strike. This is not a day off and the strike is stronger when all those are involved. You are not legally compelled to attend any strike events.
6. What if I am in my last year of service?
Because strike action taken in the last year of service can have a negative effect on your pension, you are not expected to join the strike action.
7. What if I am pregnant?
Members who are over 15 weeks pregnant are not expected to strike because this would have a negative effect on your maternity pay.
8. Do I have to tell my employer I am going on strike or taking action short of a strike before the action begins?
No. You do not have to tell your employer whether you plan to take industrial action in advance of the date when action begins as this will enable them to minimise any disruption the action is aimed to cause. GMB has already provided all information required by law.
9. What if I am on annual leave during the strike?
If you have annual leave already approved your work should honour that and you will not lose money. However, you are still encouraged to join a picket line and the demonstration on strike days.
10. I'm an agency worker, can I join the strike?
Agency workers cannot join the strike because you are not employed by Glasgow City Council and therefore you would not be protected from consequences that came from taking unlawful action (including potentially termination of contract).
11. I'm a temporary worker, can I join the strike?
Yes. Temporary workers should join the union so they can participate in strike action. You can join the union online here: https://www.gmb.org.uk/join/join-online.
12. There's a picket at my workplace but I am not on strike, what do I do?
Workers who have not been called out on strike should attend their work as normal. If you cannot cross the picket line for some reason (for example health and safety or lack of risk assessment), you should call your manager and make it clear that you are available for work and ask to be deployed elsewhere.
13. My workplace is closed but I’m not on strike, what do I do?
If you have not been advised to attend another workplace, you should join your fellow members on a local picket side demonstration to show solidarity.
14. What is the law on picketing?
Peaceful picketing is legal. Picketing should be carried out at or near an entrance or exit from a site at which you work. When others who are not in dispute come into work or use these entrances or exits, pickets must not interfere with them.
Picketing is an activity to peacefully persuade members not to go in to work. There will be Picket Supervisors from the union in place on the days of strike action, and further information will be available shortly. Picketing isn’t dangerous and everyone shows that they are serious and united in taking action.
