Council pay talks ‘closed’, says Swinney as school strikes hit his constituency

The video discusses the Scottish Government's negotiations over local government pay, highlighting Unison's strikes aimed at securing better pay for local government workers. The government has made significant spending cuts to meet pay demands but insists no more funds are available for the current year. The impact of strikes on education is noted, with Unison urged to focus on future pay deal discussions. Other unions, GMB and Unite, have accepted the current pay deal, which has been implemented by local government employers.

What is the primary reason for Unison's strike action?

• To demand better working conditions

• To pressure the Scottish Government for more pay funds

• To protest against school closures

• To support other unions in England

What financial measure did the Finance Secretary announce to address pay demands?

• Borrowing more money

• Implementing spending cuts

• Reducing public services

• Increasing taxes

Why does the speaker find the strikes unacceptable?

• They are illegal

• They are not effective

• They are not supported by other unions

• They are targeting his constituency unfairly

Which unions have accepted the pay deal?

• GMB and Unite

• Unison and Unite

• All unions have rejected the deal

• Unison and GMB

What is the speaker's advice to Unison regarding future pay negotiations?

• To accept the current pay deal

• To seek support from other unions

• To negotiate with local government employers for future deals

• To continue striking until demands are met