Local authority leaders in Scotland have decided to impose a wage rise prompting UNISON to threaten strike action.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has decided to push ahead with a pay increase of £1,292 or 3.6%, whichever is higher.
GMB and Unite voted to accept the offer but UNISON – Scotland’s largest local government union – has rejected the rise.
Responding to COSLA’s decision, UNISON said more than 90,000 council and school staff in Scotland will be balloted for strike action.
UNISON Scotland local government lead David O’Connor said the decision was a ‘bitter disappointment’.
‘Now, they’ve resorted to some of the worst employment practices by imposing this deal. They should be utterly ashamed of themselves,’ he added.
Cllr Katie Hagmann, COSLA Resources Spokesperson, said the offer represents 'a fair, above inflation and strong settlement for all of our employees. It is at the absolute limit of affordability in the extremely challenging financial context we face.'