Glasgow City Council is preparing to roll out a new pay and grading structure (PGS) from April 2026, which it says will finally resolve its long-running equal pay dispute.

But the Joint Trade Unions (JTUs) – consisting of GMB, UNISON and Unite – have raised serious objections ahead of this week's city administration committee vote.

The new scheme will see 89% of staff’s earnings increase or stay roughly the same, according to the council. In cases where earnings decrease, pay will be protected for six months.

The scheme will also introduce a new system of allowances and standardise the approach to public holidays across the council.

In a formal response, the JTUs say the proposals fall well short of the fair, sustainable structure promised since talks began in 2018. Their concerns centre on the scale of financial detriment facing affected staff, arrangements for assimilation and backpay, and what they describe as inadequate pay protection measures.

The unions argue further investment in the pay bill and implementation costs is urgently needed before the scheme proceeds.

UNISON Glasgow city branch secretary Chris Sermanni said: 'Unions have worked with the council for eight years to try and develop an equality-proofed job evaluation scheme that delivers fair pay for everyone. Despite our best efforts, the council’s proposals don’t come close to that.'

'Thousands are facing significant financial loss, and it fails to fully compensate workers for the years of back pay owed. The phased implementation plans would leave one in five council employees on the old pay structure.'

'Any new scheme must be equality-proofed and be properly funded. If the council are serious about delivering equal pay, they must urgently seek significant investment. The council risks repeating the mistakes of the past.'