Glasgow faces labor unrest over social care cuts and pay disputes

Glasgow faces significant labor unrest as local authorities and trade unions clash over funding cuts and pay disputes. Health and social care officials in Glasgow are pursuing the ‘STEP Forward’ programme, aiming to save £20 million by April 2027 due to intense funding pressures. Proposed cuts include reducing the number of older people’s day care centres from ten to four and eliminating approximately 24 welfare rights positions.

In response to these proposals, the Unison union reported that 99% of its members voted for further action in a consultative ballot. The union has warned that the cuts will negatively impact working-class residents.

Simultaneously, a separate dispute has emerged regarding a ‘fire and rehire’ strategy intended to resolve a long-running equal pay issue. Glasgow City Council stated that talks with the Unite, GMB, and Unison unions had broken down, leading the council to plan the dismissal and rehiring of all non-teaching staff under new contracts effective January 1. Justice Secretary Neil Gray has urged all parties to “get around the table” to negotiate a solution, noting that the Scottish Government supports “fair work principles.”