Unions insist they are not using COP26 in Glasgow as "bargaining chip"

Some have been embroiled in long running arguments about pay.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 18th Oct 2021
Last updated 18th Oct 2021

With Glasgow facing cancelled trains, uncollected bins and closed leisure facilities, unions are insisting they're not using COP26 as a bargaining chip.

We're asking the RMT and GMB why they're planning walk outs during the climate summit next month.

Mick Hogg from RMT union which represents train staff told Clyde 1: "We make no apology for the action we are determined to take in order to find a solution to the current disputes.

"We have been taking industrial action on Sundays for the last 8 months and there has not been one meeting held to try to help us.

"However, now that RMT members have actually voted with their feet there is now a hullabaloo."

LISTEN TO OUR CLIMATE CHANGE PODCAST AHEAD OF COP26: SO YOU WANT TO SAVE THE PLANET?

We told you last week how refuse workers are planning to stop collecting bins during the two week climate conference too.

They are telling us they feel backed into a corner.

Chris Mitchell from GMB Scotland said: "I think it is about time these low paid workers got the recognition they deserve.

"COSLA has had plenty of time to come to the table and offer us better money.

"It is unfortunate that our planned strike action will coincide with COP26.

"We all want this climate conference to be a success, it will either be a success or it will go down in history because COSLA refused to give cleansing workers a decent pay rise."

Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.