Glasgow labor disputes and social care funding crisis

Glasgow is experiencing significant labor unrest driven by two primary issues: funding cuts to social care and a long-running equal pay dispute. To address intense funding pressures, local authorities are pursuing the ‘STEP Forward’ programme, which aims to save £20 million by April 2027 through measures such as reducing older people’s day care centres and eliminating welfare rights positions. The Unison union reported that 99% of its members voted for further action in response to these proposed cuts.

Parallel to the social care crisis, a dispute emerged over a ‘fire and rehire’ strategy intended to resolve equal pay issues. Glasgow City Council initially planned to dismiss and rehire all non-teaching staff under new contracts effective January 1 after negotiations with Unite, GMB, and Unison broke down.

Following intense backlash and accusations of “bullying”, the council has since paused the plan to rehire more than 20,000 employees. This pause follows discussions with the Scottish government and unions, intended to allow for renewed negotiations regarding a new pay and grading scheme. While the council stated most staff would see stability or pay rises, officials noted that approximately 11% of workers could face wage cuts.