Looming strike action by refuse, recycling and street cleaning staff is suspended after unions decide to consult on the latest pay offer from Cosla after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon intervened yesterday in a bid to break the deadlock
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Industrial action by bin and recycling workers in the Highlands due to start on Thursday for eight days has been cancelled after an improved pay offer.
The two unions whose staff walked out in the Highlands – the GMB and Unite – both said they would consult their members on the new proposals.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon intervened yesterday in a bid to break the deadlock after hosting talks at Bute House with unions and Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities).
Unite estimates that trade union negotiators have been able to secure around an extra £460 million for local government since the dispute in waste services began in Edinburgh on August 18.
According to Unite the offer comprises:
- a flat rate fully consolidated offer of £2000 for those earning up to £20,500
- a flat rate fully consolidated offer of £1925 for those earning between £20,500 and up to £39,000
That means a 10-11 per cent pay rise for the lowest paid who are estimated to be around 18 per cent of the total workforce and earn up to £20,500.
Those in the £20,500 to £39,000 bracket who get the additional £1925 is the equivalent to an eight per cent for those earning around £24,000. The offer would also be backdated to April.
Wendy Dunsmore, Unite’s lead negotiator for local government, welcomed the new offer, saying: “After the latest round of intensive talks a new credible offer has finally been put on the table by Cosla.
“Unite wants to acknowledge the First Minister’s direct involvement as a primary reason for the breakthrough.”
GMB Scotland Senior Organiser for Public Services Keir Greenaway said: “It’s not a perfect offer but it is the view of GMB Scotland’s local government committee that it’s worthy of members' consultation and their acceptance, but ultimately our members whose campaigning and strike actions have improved these terms will have the final say.”
Councillor Katie Hagmann, Cosla's resources spokesperson, said: “The revised offer made shows that Scotland’s council leaders have listened to the concerns of our workforce and have responded positively.”
