PLANS for binmen to strike in Glasgow during COP26 have been ditched after a last-minute pay rise offer from Cosla.
The umbrella body - responsible for all councils in Scotland - made an 11th-hour bid to break the strike deadlock today.
Under the proposal, cleansing workers and teaching staff could benefit from a one-year 5.89% pay rise for the lowest-paid council employees as part of a £1062 rise for those earning below £25,000.
READ MORE: FMQs: Nicola Sturgeon mocks Ross's 'disappointment' as ScotRail strikes called off
It remains subject to a two-week consultation, however, the bid has led union chiefs to suspend plans for potential strikes during the climate summit.
Drew Duffy, GMB organising and equality officer, said: “We have received a new offer from Cosla that will be subject to a two-week consultation of our members from Monday, November 1, during which we have agreed to suspend strike action.
“While we are pleased that more money for key workers has been found at the 11th hour, the fact it’s taken to the brink of the COP26 to get this offer speaks volumes to our members.
READ MORE: Rail strikes during COP26 are called off after deal is struck with RMT union
“For months, Cosla said they couldn’t pay, and ministers said they wouldn’t pay, while staff have been attacked by political leaders for standing up for their services and value.
“Our members will now decide if this offer delivers that value, but it’s clear that ministers and employers must show far more respect to the people providing vital local services.”
A majority of union members had voted to take industrial action during the climate summit after the "kick in the teeth" pay offer from Cosla last week.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel