The first-ever strike by Scotland’s police staff is set to go ahead this week, after a breakdown in pay negotiations.
Unison members voted two-to-one in favour of the walk-out on Thursday, after the failure of police employers to improve on an offer for the 2005-07 pay settlement.
Chairman of the trade union negotiators, Raymond Brown, said: “This is a stunning vote that expresses exactly the frustration that police staff feel. It is especially frustrating as we know that chief constables want to resolve this issue.”
There are about 4,000 unionised police staff in Scotland, delivering professional, technical and administrative back-up to police officers in control rooms, forensic science labs, at scenes of crimes, and in police stations.
Employers offered only 2.95% and 2.5% pay rises over the next two years.
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“Police staff are crucial in providing effective policing in Scotland,” said Unison regional organiser (police) Peter Veldon. “They do not want to strike. The fact that they have never voted for action before proves that.
“However, they have now made it clear they will not lie down and be treated unfairly compared to other public sector workers in Scotland.”
