Group of housing services staff at Aberdeen City Council to strike

Staff working in Aberdeen City Council's housing services department have voted to take part in strike action.

Unite Scotland launched a ballot of workers, amid claims they are at "breaking point" following cuts to the service.

In a turnout of 65%, almost 80% of workers backed taking strike action, and 92% were in favour of industrial action short of a strike.

About 40 workers now intend on striking from next month.

The trade union claims that a rise in housing arrears and homeless applications has led to more work for the department.

John Boland, Unite industrial officer, said: "Unite’s members in the housing services department in Aberdeen City Council have voted to take strike action by a huge margin.

"The ballot result reflects the depressing reality that our members have taken on a massive increase in their workload while investment in the service has been continuously cut.

"Industrial action will begin in June as our members are determined to take a stand over the lack of support by Aberdeen City Council.

"We believe the public will support our members because ultimately the public and those most in need are being given a poorer service due to these cuts.

"Unite believes the workers and the people of Aberdeen deserve better."

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: "It is very disappointing that members of Unite the Union have narrowly voted for strike action in the midst of a consultation to improve services.

"Those voting for action represent a small proportion of our housing staff, the majority having engaged positively on proposals to invest in staff, reduce the average tenancy workload per officer, and make it easier for residents to access support.

"We hope Unite the Union choose to resume dialogue in the interests of transforming services for everyone. In the meantime, we will continue to meet the needs of all our housing customers."