Media Calling Notice: GMB Scotland Local Government Key Worker Pay Demonstration 

Where: Glasgow City Chambers (Main Entrance), George Square, G2 1DU

When: 10AM Friday 24 July 2020

Glasgow frontline staff urge Scottish Government and Councils: “Pay up for key workers”

Workers from Glasgow City Council’s refuse and cleansing services will hold a small socially distanced demonstration tomorrow (Friday 24 July), calling on the Scottish Government and COSLA to recognise the sacrifices of low-paid frontline workers by bringing forward a coronavirus bonus payment.

GMB Scotland members are campaigning for a £2 an hour additional payment for every hour worked during the lockdown, a figure that would deliver a retrospective payment of as little as £85 extra a week on the basic rate of pay for many local government workers.

The union is citing the Welsh government’s decision to award carers a £500 bonus, retailers like Tesco who increased the basic rate of pay by 10 per cent for their staff, and more widely the decision of the French Government to award health workers a €1,500 bonus.

GMB Scotland Convenor Chris Mitchell said:

“The frontline response to the coronavirus crisis in Scottish local government has been largely delivered on the backs of the lowest paid in services like care, cleaners and refuse, many of whom earn below or just above £10 an hour.

“And while the magnificent public support we’ve received really boosted our morale as we worked through the lockdown, we are now looking for recognition from the employers and politicians who were quick to clap us then.

“Across the rest of the UK and Europe we’ve seen from employers and governments an increasing recognition of the sacrifices and selflessness shown by frontline workers during this pandemic, and all we are asking is for is that Scotland does the same.

“So after the applause our message is loud and clear to Ministers and Council Leaders: “Do the right thing and pay up for our key workers.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Scotland Convenor in Glasgow City Council Chris Mitchell on 07468 779667 or GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.