Social work staff in West Dunbartonshire have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action, UNISON announced today.

UNISON held the ballot over a dispute about excessive workloads, inappropriate working environments and health and safety issues.

The ballot saw 98.6 per cent of members voting in favour of strike action and 100 per cent voting in favour of action short of a strike. The turnout was 82 per cent.

Speaking today, Simon Macfarlane, UNISON regional organiser for West Dunbartonshire, said: “This is a phenomenal result both in terms of turnout and in the determination our members are showing to take strike action should it be necessary.

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"This is a dispute about workloads, working environment and health and safety.

"Our members are taking a stand not only for themselves but for the services they provide to the most vulnerable children and families in West Dunbartonshire.”

The union is due to meet with West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership management tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

Mr Macfarlane added: “Striking is a last resort for our members but they are prepared to do so to stand up for the children and families that rely on them and to put an end to unsafe work practices.

"It is now time for management to deliver a concrete offer that meets our members’ entirely reasonable demands, including safe workloads; more staff and suitable bases for staff to work from.

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"This must include a fit-for-purpose permanent base for children and families, staff and management in the Dumbarton end of the council.

"Transient touchdown desks and unsuitable spaces to do challenging work with children and families are unacceptable.

“Our members have sent a clear message to councillors and management, it is now time for them to listen and to deliver or our members are heading for major strike action.”