Intervention by the Scottish Government has led to the suspension
of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse
collectors, this week.
The action has been suspended by all three trade unions after the
Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved
pay offer.
New funding from the government enabled local authority
organisation COSLA to make an offer to unions worth an overall
value of 4.27%, with a rise of 5.63% being offered for the lowest
paid workers.
Finance and Local Government Secretary said:
“We value this vital workforce and I welcome the fact that
members will now be able to consider this strong pay offer which
was reached following a strategic intervention from the Scottish
Government.
“It has paused the prospect of costly industrial action this week
which would have impacted businesses and communities across
Scotland.
“Our swift action to ensure this strong offer could be made has
been taken against an extremely challenging financial landscape
and – while fair – represents the absolute limit of
affordability.
“In order to fund the offer, we will have to move money from
elsewhere in the budget and reduce funding for other programmes.
We are taking on significant, additional financial pressure and
have been clear painful choices have had to be made to fund this
pay deal.
“The offer will provide an above inflation pay increase for all
and support the lowest paid. I am pleased it is now with the
workforce for their close consideration and would urge members to
strongly consider this significantly improved envelope.”
