STAFF at three care homes in Glasgow are voting on industrial action amid claims that new owners have attempted to slash wages and derecognise their trade union.

GMB Scotland is balloting members on proposals - which include possible strikes - after saying staff’s pay and conditions have been 'attacked' by management.

Carers have already overwhelmingly rejected a pay offer at the trio of facilities - Baillieston Care Home, Cardonald Care Home and Stobhill Care Home - when 97% of staff took part in the votes.

The homes, where 150 residents are cared for by 200 staff, were previously run by the Four Seasons group before being taken over by Silverline Care and then administered by Minster Care Group.

Kirsty Nimmo, GMB Scotland organiser, claims that the new management is attempting to drive down terms by slashing overtime rates and reneging on previous pay offers.

She said: “Our members flatly rejected one pay offer before being told it should not have been offered in the first place.

“They were then made a second one, which was for many even worse. On top of that, the owners now warn their trade union will be derecognised in breach of all agreements.

“All of this is happening during a cost of living crisis. It is not acceptable and it will not be tolerated."

Ms Nimmo says that staff have been left feeling worthless by the owners' hardline approach.

She added: “We have heard a lot about the ideals of a new National Care Service built on fairness and recognition of the work done by carers.

“The behaviour of this firm makes a mockery of that and managers must be made to understand what is and what is not acceptable."

The GMB, which began a two week ballot on industrial action on Monday, has also written to all of the city’s MSPs urging them to intervene to protect staff and residents at the homes.

A spokesperson for Silverline said a new management team was introduced in June and at that time there had been an unresolved negotiation with the GMB over pay rates of staff within the homes.

They added: "Silverline had met with the GMB with a view to agreeing terms that were realistic within the context of the homes' trading position, but the discussions ended in stalemate.

"Staff received a pay rise in line with the terms of the National Care Contracts and local market rates and the company was still open to having discussions with a view to reaching a sensible solution.

"The company had not been made aware of any impending ballot of possible industrial action, but as residents' welfare is paramount, contingency measures will be put in place to ensure the continuation of quality care at each of the three homes."