SCHOOL cleaners and caretakers are being balloted for strike action across six Scottish councils over a contractor’s attempts to “steamroller” through changes to terms and conditions.

GMB launched the ballot after OCS workers at schools in East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Inverclyde, Moray and Stirling, faced contract changes, including moving from fixed salaries to hourly pay and mandatory clocking in, without consultation.

Arguing that the move breaches the Fair Work rules set out by the Scottish government, GMB organiser John McCartney said: “We are disappointed OCS has chosen to attempt to force these changes into place when there are clear and established channels for worker consultation through their union representatives.

“Instead of opening those channels, managers have ignored long-standing union recognition agreements in an attempt to steamroller these changes into place without consultation.

“That is in direct breach of the Scottish government’s fair work first guidelines for public sector contractors. It is unacceptable and will not stand.”

He said: “We would urge the company to pause these plans, re-engage with our union and find a fair way forward.”

The Scottish government and OCS were contacted for comment.