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Council staff back strike over fire and rehire plans

Getty Images A photo of Union Street in Aberdeen. There are lots of pedestrians to the left and right and a large clock tower in the distanceGetty Images
Aberdeen City council workers could go on strike

Workers at Aberdeen City Council have voted to back strike action to oppose a "fire and rehire" policy.

The GMB union said 88% of its members in non-education roles and 71% of janitorial staff in the city's schools backed the move.

The union claims the council plans to impose a pay freeze while introducing a shorter working week which, it says, will cost frontline workers up to £1,500 a year.

Aberdeen City Council said dismissal and re-engagement had not been suggested by the council and would not be implemented "without having exhausted all possible other routes".

Sean Robertson, GMB Scotland organiser at the council, said: "The overwhelming support for strike action is no surprise given the council's stubborn refusal to withdraw the threat of fire and rehire.

"Giving staff the choice of accepting a new contract or dismissal is no choice at all.

"It is bullying and intimidation which no decent employer, in the public or private sector, would even consider.

"Our members have voted overwhelmingly to oppose these threats and we would urge councillors and officials to understand the strength of opposition, the possible implications and think again."

'Constructive discussions'

The union, has already withdrawn its endorsement of Aberdeen City Council as a Fair Work employer meeting Scottish government's workplace guidelines.

Strikes with the potential to disrupt services including cleansing, funerals, social work and road maintenance could now be called.

Talks are planned between council officials and unions, including GMB Scotland, on Friday.

A spokesperson for the council said "constructive discussions" were continuing.

When asked about the fire and rehire policy the spokesperson said: "Whilst it is one possible lawful route to implementing a contractual change, the council would not consider dismissal and re-engagement without having exhausted all possible other routes.

"The goal is to reach an agreement through this consultation process with employees and trade unions, whose feedback has already improved and amended the original proposal."