Cathy supports low paid workers

Cathy Jamieson today backed Wednesday's day of action by low paid workers across Scotland.

She also pointed out that Alex Salmond and the SNP Government were at the heart of the dispute.

She said:

"The SNP Government needs to look again at its underfunding of local councils to allow the employers to come up with a realistic pay offer.

Alex Salmond also needs to make a fair offer to low paid Government workers who have been offered 2%.

"I regret that the people we rely on to provide public services feel they have no option other than strike action in their campaign for an improved pay offer.

"From my own experience in the public sector, I know that workers don't take this kind of action lightly.

"They know that many vulnerable people depend on them, and I expect them to minimise the impact by providing emergency cover."

She pointed out that many public sector workers are themselves bearing the brunt of rising fuel prices and cost of living increases:

"It is understandable that they question a 2.5% pay offer when their living costs have gone up by around twice that figure.

"This offer will still give a large cash increase to the higher paid but it represents a real reduction in living standards for low paid workers.

"That's why I'm backing their day of action."

She called for employers to raise the underfunding issue with Alex Salmond to allow them to get back round the table with the trade unions:

"I want a package that is fair to all, but one which does more to help those on
the lowest wages."


Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ