I have recently joined forces with the Poverty Alliance, trade unions Unite, Unison and GMB Scotland and local Labour councilors to launch a campaign for a Living Wage for council workers in West Dunbartonshire.

A Living Wage is the level of pay which will provide an adequate living standard for a worker and their family, lifting them out of poverty. The Living Wage has been set at £7 an hour for the year beginning April 2009. The Living Wage is something that employers should pay, but it is not a legal minimum like the National Minimum Wage.

Earlier this year Glasgow City Council became the first local authority in Scotland to implement a Living Wage, so that its’ lowest paid workers received an increase in annual salary of over £1100 a year.

I believe that West Dunbartonshire Council should follow Glasgow’s example and ensure that none of their workers live in poverty.

Judging by the new pay grading system there are approximately 300 workers earning less than £7 an hour. This campaign would only require around £300,000 to lift West Dunbartonshire Councils poorest paid workers above the poverty line.

The trade unions have contacted their members for support but you can also help. If you would like to join the campaign you can sign up by clicking here or alternatively email scottishlivingwage@gmail.com with your name and address and we will make sure you are kept up to date with its progress.