News In Focus
26 February 2007
Strike threat from prosecutors
Scotland's procurators fiscal could be balloted on strike action in a dispute over pay, according to an article in today's Herald.
The prosecutors want to see action on a report proposing that they be put on the same gradings as lawyers working for the Scottish Executive. At present there are differences ranging from under £500 to over £4,800, depending on grade.
The Crown Office is reported to have said recently that it cannot afford to assimilate the pay scales, despite an earlier assurance. Union representatives have voted to reject an offer from Crown Office of up to 4.3% a year over the next two years. Members are to vote this week and if they choose to reject the deal, they will then vote on whether to strike.
Fiscals are claiming that their workload has increased due to recent procedural changes, with a growing number leaving the service.