Union's industrial action ballot of OCS staff will not impact Fife schools
Staff at a facilities management company are being balloted on industrial action by GMB Scotland after the union says the employers are imposing wide-ranging changes without consultation.
They say OCS has ignored recognition agreements with the union to impose the changes in breach of Scottish Government guidance.
In some council areas the ballot on industrial action could have an impact on primary and secondary schools, although Fife Council has confirmed that that is not the case in the Kingdom as they have no OCS staff operating in schools.
Among the changes is a move from fixed salaries to hourly pay and mandatory clocking in.
John McCartney, GMB Scotland organiser, said: “We are disappointed OCS has chosen to attempt to force these changes into place when there are clear and established channels for worker consultation through their union representatives.
"Instead of opening those channels, managers have ignored long-standing union recognition agreements in an attempt to steamroller these changes into place without consultation.
"It is unacceptable and will not stand.”
The proposed changes include wages being calculated on hours worked instead of fixed monthly salaries; mandatory clocking in; and changing the pay day from the 25th of the month to the 14th meaning FES workers must wait 48 days between September and November wages.
Mr McCartney is urging executives to halt the plans immediately and enter talks.
He added: “These are significant changes with many potential consequences for workers.
“The changes to how and when they are paid, for example, are capable of impacting our members in ways that management have not even discussed never mind addressed.
“We would urge the company to pause these plans, reengage with our union and find a fair way forward.”
Although Fife Council has said the result of the ballot will not have an impact on the region’s schools, there are OCS staff working within the council's housing services department.
Sharon McKenzie, Head of HR for Fife Council, said: "We are aware of reports regarding potential industrial action involving employees of facilities management company OCS.
"OCS does not provide cleaning or janitorial services in Fife Council schools, so we do not expect any impact on our schools as a result of this dispute.
"OCS does provide some services on behalf of Fife Council's Housing Service. However, employment matters including pay, terms and conditions are the responsibility of OCS as the employer and the trade unions involved.
"We are monitoring the situation to understand whether there may be any implications for services delivered under those contracts. At this stage, we are not aware of any confirmed impact on council services. Should circumstances change, we will take appropriate steps to minimise disruption to service users."