Members of Scotland’s largest trade union have voted overwhelmingly to reject the latest pay offer from local government employers.
Around 86% of UNISON members who took part in the ballot chose to reject last month’s pay offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ (COSLA).
The union said the offer falls short given the 25% real-terms pay cut over the past 14 years.
COSLA offered a minimum increase of 3.6% and for staff on the first pay point on pay scales 5.63%, amounting to £1,292. The overall value of the offer is 4.27%.
The Unite, GMB and Unison unions agreed to suspend a planned walk out from 14 to 22 August while they consulted their members over whether to accept the pay deal.
GMB accepted the offer last Thursday (29 August) but criticised the delay.
Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, commented: ‘Council leaders’ lack of urgency and stubborn refusal to ask the Scottish Government for support meant negotiations and uncertainty went on far longer than necessary.’
Unite is due to give its response later this week.
