‘One more chance’ to avoid strike action, union tell councils

Unite the union has called on council umbrella body Cosla and Scottish ministers to up the pay offer to local government workers or risk “mountains of rubbish” piling up on streets.

The union has rejected the latest pay offer tabled by Cosla, saying workers were being “grossly undervalued” and warning the body had “one more chance” before strike action.

Cosla made the fresh offer to the Scottish Joint Council, which represents local government employees, last Thursday. It included a 3.2 per cent increase to be backdated to the start of the financial year.

But Unite has said the amount is far less than counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are being offered.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Cosla has taken months to put a new offer to our local government membership, and it’s one that does absolutely nothing to address more than a decade of deep cuts to pay and services.

“Unless Cosla and the Scottish Government move quickly to make an acceptable offer then mountains of rubbish will pile up across the nation’s streets. The politicians have a choice, and one more chance, to resolve this pay dispute before strike action.”

The union represents waste workers, street cleaners, and recycling centre operators.

Members have approved strike action in 16 council areas in Scotland, with five re-ballots currently taking place.

GMB and Unison have also voted in favour of industrial action.

It could see a wave a strikes similar to that witnessed in 2022, leading to rubbish littering the streets across Scotland – including in Edinburgh during the city’s festival season.

Cosla, on making its offer, said it was the “absolute limit of affordability” for many councils given financial constraints.

Resources spokesperson Cllr Katie Hagmann said: “It is a strong, fair and credible pay offer, reflecting the high value council leaders place on the local government workforce and the invaluable work they do every day serving communities across Scotland.”

Scottish Labour has urged ministers to step in to avoid strike action. Local government spokesperson Mark Griffin said: “The SNP cannot ignore the problem and let litter pile up on our streets like it has in the past. These dedicated frontline workers deserve fair pay and people across Scotland deserve clean streets.”