Strikes have been as a consequence of happen from September 26 till September 28.
Meanwhile, GMB members have been as a consequence of strike in Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Falkirk, Glasgow, Orkney, Renfrewshire and South Ayrshire.
The union has strike mandates in 24 council areas however it isn’t clear what the complete impression can be on faculties.
Unison Scotland’s head of native authorities Johanna Baxter stated the deal “short-changed the majority” and threatened job cuts.
“No-one takes the decision to strike lightly. But council workers in Scotland deserve far better,” she stated.
The new provide represents a minimal wage improve of £2,006 for these on the Scottish Government’s residing wage and a minimal improve of £1,929 for staff who’re incomes above the residing wage.
Unite stated its native authorities committee has really useful “acceptance” of the pay provide.
Unite will maintain a poll of its native authorities membership which opens on September 26 and closes on October 17.
The residing wage of £10.85 will rise to £11.89 below the brand new provide, equal to a 9.6% improve.
The pay provide is estimated to price roughly £580 million.
Graham McNab, lead negotiator for native authorities for Unite, stated: “Unite’s local government committee has agreed to suspend the scheduled strike action next week.
“We will now hold a ballot involving our members on the new pay offer which comes with a recommendation for acceptance.
We remain disappointed it took first the threat and then the looming reality of strike action in Scotland’s schools before we saw any sign of leadership from Cosla
“Unite’s primary objective all along has been to negotiate a credible offer that addresses chronic low pay in local government.
“It is an offer that should have been put on the table months ago if it were not for the dithering and blundering by Cosla and Scottish Government ministers.
“We believe the offer makes sufficient progress on low pay and it is one that our wider membership should have its say on.”
Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public providers, stated: “It would be wrong to suggest this offer is not a clear improvement on those that came before it, especially for the lowest-paid workers.
“GMB is a trade union led by its members and it is absolutely right they are asked to decide on what is a significantly better offer.
“Cosla has itself highlighted how far it has advanced since April, which only begs the question why it took so many months to make an offer worth discussing with our members?
What I would urge the Scottish Government to do is not be a bystander, be a participant, get around the table with Cosla, with the trade unions and thrash out a fair pay deal here
“We remain disappointed it took first the threat and then the looming reality of strike action in Scotland’s schools before we saw any sign of leadership from Cosla.
“Whatever our members decide, lessons should be learned from these needlessly protracted negotiations to ensure workers, parents and pupils do not endure similar uncertainty in future.”
With strikes nonetheless possible, Scottish Labour chief Anas Sarwar stated: “What I would urge the Scottish Government to do is not be a bystander, be a participant, get around the table with Cosla, with the trade unions and thrash out a fair pay deal here.”
Cosla’s assets spokesperson councillor Katie Hagmann stated: “I am heartened by today’s news that both Unite and the GMB will suspend next week’s strike action whilst they consult with their membership on the pay package that we currently have on the table.
“This is good news and I welcome the decision to suspend next week’s strike action by both the Unite and GMB trade unions.
“We have met every ask of our trade union colleagues throughout these negotiations and this best and final offer which will see every single local government worker receive an in-year pay rise of between six and almost 10 per cent was made on the basis that strikes would be suspended. I am pleased that these two trade unions have recognised this.
“We absolutely value all our local government workforce and throughout these negotiations council leaders have reiterated the value we place on the workforce and the work that they do.
“We are talking about a pay package worth over £430 million, specifically targeted at the lower end of our workforce. A pay package which not only compares well to other sectors but recognises the cost-of-living pressures on our workforce and a pay package which would mean the lowest paid would see an in-year uplift of over £2,000, or just under 10%.
“I am pleased with today’s decision from Unite and the GMB because this is the best funding package that Scottish and local Government can provide, and I would hope that their members accept the offer.”
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison welcomed the choices from Unite and GMB, including she inspired negotiations with Unison to proceed.
“Scottish Government and Cosla will continue to work together to minimise disruption for all in the event of industrial action,” she stated.
“If strikes do go ahead, local authorities will ensure that our schools and learning establishments remain open as far as is practical, taking into consideration staffing levels and individual establishment risk assessments.”
