Workers threatened with dismissal as strike spreads

The unofficial strike action by Glasgow City Council Homeless service workers has spread across the city today. All five Homelessness teams, more than 60 Unison members, refused to go into work in support of a member suspended on Friday in the Glasgow East office. This suspension by management relates to a longstanding grievance by staff at growing and unacceptable caseloads. Strikers told the Socialist today that the average caseload is more than 50 clients per worker.

There is huge anger at this impossible situation for staff, which management and the council have done nothing to address. The suspension of a Unison member on Friday was the last straw. Workers are demanding the lifting of the suspension, more staff do deal with the workload and a cap on the number of cases each staff member has to deal with at any one time.

Striking workers held a determined and enthusiastic rally outside the council HQ this lunchtime demanding immediate action to resolve the growing crisis in the service.

The Director of Social Work at Glasgow City Council has tonight sent a letter to more than 400 Unison members which includes the following:

“This unlawful industrial action is completely unacceptable and those involved are liable to be dismissed if it continues.”

“We are fully aware of the pressures on the homelessness service and have been taking steps to address staff concerns. We were scheduled to meet Unison to resolve those concerns on Wednesday, but there is no prospect of that happening against the backdrop of an illegal strike.

“Unlawful industrial action is putting unnecessary pressure on the homelessness service and if this strike is not formally repudiated by Unison immediately we will consider seeking damages from them.”

More reports will follow tomorrow. But please send messages of support to enquiries@glasgowcityunison.co.uk