Experts are warning of a ‘winter of discontent’ in Scotland in the coming months as workers from various sectors of society consider, and in some cases undertake, strike action.
Central Scotland avoided disastrous levels of disruption which had the potential to cripple rail services when the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (commonly known as the RMT), the UK’s largest specialist transport union, accepted a pay deal on behalf of trainline workers.
The union said the offer would provide them with a one year 2.5 per cent pay rise, improved conditions and a £300 COP payment for all ScotRail staff. The government claimed it was proud to fund the deal.
While rail strike action was successfully called off at the eleventh hour, mere days before Glasgow opened its doors to delegates from around the globe for the COP26 climate summit, the city was unable to reach a satisfactory agreement with cleansing staff.
The impact of this is ongoing, with rubbish piling high in the streets of Scotland’s largest city – not a good look as it welcomes world leaders to discuss the pressing matter of climate change.
GMB members held a rally in George Square last week, attended by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, to demand an increase in wages for Glasgow refuse collectors, who were told they were being classified as critical workers during the pandemic.
No-one can deny the essential nature of their work, as locals flocked to social media to post photos of nearby streets filled with piling rubbish bags in various areas of the city.
The GMB union was calling for a £2000 pay rise to settle the dispute.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has been warned of potential strike action by staff at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which could see a situation unfold where Scottish school pupils are left without results as exams may remain unmarked in the next exam season.
Staff at the SQA have said they will refuse to “pay the price for government mistakes” in a period of overhaul for the current exam board, which is due to be scrapped and replaced with a new system.
Plans for strike action comes as tension rises between the government and SQA team members, who reportedly have not been consulted about the security of their jobs. Whether they will be kept on or able to take positions at the new Scottish exam board, nobody knows.
The dispute centres around a “failure” to consult with staff of the SQA about the overhaul and subsequent disruption.
Despite this, exams are due to go ahead as normal this academic year, while the government plans the system revamp.
Many are concerned that talks about the replacement of the current exam body could stretch out over several years, leaving staff in an uncertain situation for an unreasonable length of time.
The union, Unite, confirmed that there will be a consultative ballot among members regarding strike action at the SQA, stating that the workforce has been “locked out” of discussions over their futures, and the future of Scottish school exams procedures.
Scottish Labour has warned that the government must take action to prevent another year of disruption for school exams after it became clear that the SQA might strike before the agency is renewed.
Businesses have already been through a tough 18 months, and many sectors of our workforce taking strike action to demand fairer wages, job security and better conditions causes further disruption and obstructs our route back to normality and a healthy economy.
I strongly believe the government must take action to satisfy workers and look at the broader picture.
They should also be asking themselves why so many public sector workers feel industrial action is the only option left to them.
We pay our taxes so that our public transport runs smoothly, our streets are maintained, and our kids are educated properly.
As we begin to imagine what our post-Covid Scotland will look like, let’s work together to prioritise healthy and happy businesses.
Gen Z jobs shake-up and TikTok recruiting
Much has been made of the recruitment issues being faced by many sectors across Scotland recently.
Brexit has certainly had an effect; however, the recent pandemic has made many of us take stock of our current job and rethink what the future holds.
Research carried out by Censuswide, on behalf of Aviva, found that around half of workers in Scotland plan to make changes to their careers in the next 12 months.
From cutting down on hours, moving roles within a business, to choosing a different career path entirely – we seem to be a nation with a jobs itch to scratch.
In London alone 76 per cent of workers expect to make changes to their careers in the next 12 months, Scotland sits at 49 per cent, while the UK average across all regions is 65 per cent.
With so many keen to make a change, perhaps it is time for businesses to think outside the box, showcase their industry and bring in the next wave of new talent keen to pursue a new direction.
I was impressed with a recent UK hospitality first, as Scottish independent restaurant and bar operator Buzzworks Holdings launched a major campaign on TikTok to aid recruitment across its 13 venues.
Catering to the rising trend in Gen Z TikTok users creating and sharing high-quality social content, the Kilmarnock headquartered business is using the social platform’s popularity to shine a light on the benefits of working within hospitality through light-hearted video shorts and to meet the recruitment crisis facing the sector head on.
With the industry accounting for £7.9bn in turnover and bringing £4bn to the Scottish economy through wages and profits, hospitality certainly is a viable career option for those keen to face a new challenge.
It Made Me Laugh
We have been blessed with some of the best minds in this country over the ages. Scientists pushing boundaries across medicine, engineering and physics to name but a few.
However, I did laugh out loud reading that a group of activists under the banner of Scientist Rebellion failed to superglue themselves to Glasgow’s George V Bridge last weekend, whilst protesting the COP26 conference, due to it being too wet.
Those brilliant minds, who might know how to split atoms or clone sheep, seem to have simply failed to read the instructions on how best to use glue.
With 21 carted off by the boys in blue, apparently the largest number of scientists ever arrested for climate protests, they may have some time on their hands to brush up on the chemical bonds of adhesives.
It Made Me Weep
It was sad to see that parents and guardians across Scotland are set to miss out once again on seeing their children play their part in the usual concerts and plays that come around during the festive season.
Due to strict coronavirus guidelines still in place banning adults from entering school grounds, it means that for the second year in a row the show won’t go on, at least in person.
With the Scottish government being unrepentant in relaxing the rules, at least for the Christmas period, due to the ongoing concern around Coronavirus – opposition parties were quick to jump on the decision.
Whatever side of the fence you sit regarding the imposed ban, it is a shame that families won’t be able to enjoy the traditional school event for another year.
