 Staff packed out Aberdeen's beach ballroom |
Thousands of Aberdeen council workers have voted to fight proposed pay cuts. About 2,000 staff met to discuss their next move amid anger over plans which could see some employees lose up to �16,000 a year.
They agreed that unless the council withdrew its plans within five days the unions would ballot for industrial action.
The council said 20% of staff face cuts but 80% would see no change or an increase in salary.
All of Scotland's councils are due to go through a similar pay process.
Changes resulting from the national single status scheme are set to be phased in over three years.
Although low-paid workers in Aberdeen will benefit from the shake-up, about 2,000 employees are expected to have their wages cut.
Last week, about 300 staff attended a protest against the restructuring.
 |  We are hoping to hear from management and be invited back round the table |
Jean Reid, who has worked for the council for 15 years, said she faced a �1,500 pay cut.
She said: "It is still unreal, because you still can't believe that they can do that to you.
"I've not slept. I had a really sick feeling in the stomach when I got the letter. I'm just in a daze. I can't even begin to contemplate if this goes ahead."
Mike Middleton, of the GMB union, said the council must reconsider or there would be a strike.
He said: "We are hoping to hear from management and be invited back round the table."
| I would sincerely hope that on a national level people will have a cold hard look at the criteria that we're forced to apply |
The council said it had no alternative but to go ahead with the package and delay could lead to legal claims for compensation.
It said salaries would be protected for three years and expressed its willingness to negotiate.
Councillor Neil Fletcher said: "We don't want to lose our staff, we don't want our staff to be demoralised, we don't want our staff to be paid less.
"I would sincerely hope that on a national level people will have a cold hard look at the criteria that we're forced to apply and hopefully re-evaluate them too."
Edinburgh City Council is working on delivering a pay and grading system early in the New Year while Glasgow City Council is in "detailed discussions" with the unions.
Council leaders are due to meet in Edinburgh on Friday and equal pay is on the agenda.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
