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Time to make politicians pay for attacks on our services
As we face savage cuts to our pay and conditions while the executive gravy train chugs on, Unite is putting the Scottish government on notice as workers prepare for a massive wave of resistance, writes DEREK THOMSON

ONLY a few years ago as the pandemic ravaged the globe, Scotland’s public-sector workers were hailed as heroes. People stood on their doorsteps, clapping in gratitude for the tireless NHS staff and all those in public services who kept society running during the darkest days of crisis.

Fast forward to today, these same workers find themselves on the front lines again — not against a pandemic, but against the government, politicians and mainstream media who seem determined to dismantle the public services workers fought so hard to sustain.

Across Scotland, local councils are leading an assault on the foundations of public-sector work. Aberdeen City Council are planning to unilaterally impose a 35-hour workweek, cutting workers’ wages by up to 104 hours per year. This will impact roughly 3,300 roles if this disgraceful proposal goes ahead.

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