It appeared to be business as usual for public services in Moray on Thursday as many public service workers in other parts of Scotland joined a UK-wide strike over pay.
Court services were hit along with museums and driving centres as the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) protested over what they claim has been an effective 20% cut in earnings brought by a pay freeze and earnings cap in recent years.
Civil servants and council staff manned picket lines around the country – but in Moray it appeared to be business as usual with staff at public services such as libraries, job centres and council offices apparently unaware there was a strike.
Courtrooms in Portree and Dingwall were closed completely for the day while driving centres in Peterhead and Fraserburgh were also affected. Business at Aberdeen Sheriff Court was also disrupted.
PCS spokeswoman Joy Dunn said: “There has been disruption at the Scottish Government and a picket at the Scottish Parliament.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “As a result of the UK Government’s austerity measures, the Scottish Government’s discretionary budget is being reduced in real terms by 10.7% over five years.
“Within tight budgetary constraints we have set out a distinctive pay policy for Scotland that aims to be fair and affordable.”