Smith backs public sector workers’ pay deal battle

Aug 27 2008 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

COATBRIDGE & Chryston MSP Elaine Smith is supporting local government workers in their call for a better pay deal.

She is also calling on the SNP Government to provide the necessary funds to allow COSLA to settle the dispute and to pay up for their own staff in the PCS union, also taking action on a pay offer from Alex Salmond's Government.

The labour MSP joined council workers on picket lines in Coatbridge, attended the rally in Motherwell and participated in the gathering of striking workers in George Square. She also sent a message of support to the striking civil servants from PCS.

Ms Smith said: “Our Public Sector workers provide invaluable services in our communities and play a major part in the economy of Scotland.

“They should not be undervalued by a pay offer that amounts to a pay cut in the current climate of rapidly increasing prices.

“ Neither should they be asked to bear the brunt of the council tax freeze and the burden of inflation.

“The Scottish Government and the local authority employers should play fair and give these public servants a fair pay deal.

“I have lodged motions to that effect in the Scottish Parliament and I look forward to receiving support from MSP colleagues who also value the work done by public sector workers and, in particular, consider themselves to be trade unionists.”