UNISON members were staging ‘pop-up protests’ in Glasgow this week as Scotland sat down to watch the opening days of the Commonwealth Games.
The union’s City of Glasgow branch is in dispute with the council’s Glasgow Life company over its refusal to pay extra to workers helping to make the Games happen.
Other workers in the council, different council-run companies and the city’s transport companies will be paid enhanced rates and specific payments for working extra hours during the Games.
But Glasgow Life employees in the city’s sports centres and museums will only receive their basic pay rate for any additional hours they work.
Many UNISON members, who are already on a low income, have had shift changes forced on them without their agreement. Many have also had their annual leave curtailed during school holidays.
“Glasgow Life workers are working hard to make Glasgow Commonwealth Games a success,” says City of Glasgow branch secretary Brian Smith.
“We want these games to succeed, just like everyone else.
“But these workers earn an average of £16,500 per year. These are the people who are working hard to deliver the Commonwealth Games, but can’t afford tickets to go themselves.
“They deserve fair treatment.”
The union has already notched up one victory – on Wednesday a judge threw out a Glasgow Life bid to block protests at the city chambers, taking place in workers’ own time.
UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: “The judge has ruled that the council and Glasgow Life were wrong in their view that UNISON members were acting outside the law.
“People have a right to peaceful protest in their own time.
“We call on Glasgow Life and the council to work with the trade union to address the underlying issues, rather than spending money in the courts.”
