Scotland: Quarriers workers strike in fight for higher wages

Trade union Unison has warned that further strikes may follow if the dispute cannot be settled.

On 25 April, 108 of the charity's 1,750 workers staged a one-day walkout. The staff members were from Seafield School in Ardrossan, the James Shields Project and Stopover, both in Glasgow, and North Ayrshire Supported Accommodation, all of which support young people who have previously been homeless or have emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Phil Robinson, chief executive at Quarriers, said the 129 young people supported by the projects were not affected by the action as managers stepped in to fill any staff shortfalls.

Unison is demanding a 500 increase - the equivalent of 4.5 per cent - to target the lowest-paid workers. But Quarriers is offering a 2.5 per cent increase, claiming it cannot afford more.