Ask A Stupid Question
The big three public sector unions in Scotland - GMB, Unite and Unison - have all announced their rejection of the Scottish council employers pay offer.
Surprise, surprise - the result was an overwhelming rejection.
But no figures were issued to explain the 'significance' of the announcement - and no further details appear on the web sites of the three trade unions involved.
Unison, for example, claims to represent 100,000 members in Scottish councils.
But how many Unison members actually took part in this vital ballot - was it 5,000 (5%) or 95,000 (95%) - or maybe even 100,000 (100%)?
And what was the question that members were asked: "Do you want to accept the employers' offer?"
If so, it's hardly surprising that the unions got the answer they wanted - because if you ask a stupid question - quite often you get a stupid answer.
So, we all now wait with baited breath to see what the unions will do next.
Will they take the easy option of calling for strike action?
If so, when the strikes fail to achieve anything - union bosses can always blame the employers - or possibly even their own members' for their lack of resolve.
Or will they negotiate for all they're worth - to reach an agreement that benefits the lowest paid council workers - while protecting jobs and services as far as possible?
My money's on the strike option - but let's wait and see.
Surprise, surprise - the result was an overwhelming rejection.
But no figures were issued to explain the 'significance' of the announcement - and no further details appear on the web sites of the three trade unions involved.
Unison, for example, claims to represent 100,000 members in Scottish councils.
But how many Unison members actually took part in this vital ballot - was it 5,000 (5%) or 95,000 (95%) - or maybe even 100,000 (100%)?
And what was the question that members were asked: "Do you want to accept the employers' offer?"
If so, it's hardly surprising that the unions got the answer they wanted - because if you ask a stupid question - quite often you get a stupid answer.
So, we all now wait with baited breath to see what the unions will do next.
Will they take the easy option of calling for strike action?
If so, when the strikes fail to achieve anything - union bosses can always blame the employers - or possibly even their own members' for their lack of resolve.
Or will they negotiate for all they're worth - to reach an agreement that benefits the lowest paid council workers - while protecting jobs and services as far as possible?
My money's on the strike option - but let's wait and see.
