MP Cathy Jamieson and Labour Candidate for Scottish Parliament Carol Mochan met local GMB members who are campaigning for fair pay.

GMB members across Scotland say that in their experience at least £10 an hour and a full working week is needed to allow a decent standard of living without having to rely on benefits and tax credits. They are concerned that the rising cost of living has outstripped pay rises, and that those on the lowest incomes are worst hit.

GMB Senior Organiser Alex McLuckie said: " Many of our members provide vital frontline services and while these jobs are crucial to many of Scotland’s councils, the people providing these services are some of the lowest of paid.

Over the years Scotland’s council workers have either received a minimal pay rise or no pay rise at all. Further to this many GMB members may have suffered a cut in earnings through hours being reduced, while at the same time having their workload increased with staff leaving without being replaced.

With the reality of low pay and increasing workloads, coupled with the vital services which our members provide for Scotland’s councils, GMB Scotland consider that £1 an hour rise on all basic salaries is needed to fairly reward the work done by Scotland’s council workers.” Cathy Jamieson MP said: "Local low paid workers have spoken to me about the challenge they face as prices rise faster than wages. I want to see an increase in the Minimum Wage and a move to a Living Wage. I congratulate those local employers who have taken the initiative and are paying the Living Wage, and hope more will join them. The GMB makes an important point about decent wages meaning less need for people to rely on benefits and tax credits.” Carol Mochan added: Trade Unionists across Scotland are campaigning for fair pay and a Living Wage. Too many low paid workers are still finding it hard to manage. The SNP Government can take action on the Living Wage now, but they have failed to do so.”