Councils in push for government funds to avoid bin strikes

Ms Gilmour said any offer to Scots council workers must, as a minimum, match that offered by local authorities in England and Wales.

GMB Scotland already has a mandate for cleansing strikes in almost half of Scots councils and is re-balloting members in more.

Unison is also in the process of balloting 38,000 school, early years and family centre staff on strike action.

Ms Gilmour said: “If there is no fair offer, this dispute will only escalate causing disruption for the millions of Scots relying on the frontline services delivered by our members.

“Strike action can be averted but only with the support of the Scottish government. That support needs to arrive as a matter of urgency.”

Meanwhile, David O’Connor, Unison Scotland’s lead for local government, said the “vast bulk” of council funding comes from the Scottish government, which committed to a council tax freeze.

He said: “It appears the threat of rubbish piling up in the streets and school closures is the only thing Cosla and the government will listen to.

“We need to hear a lot more from both of them before we can suspend industrial action.”

Graham McNab, Unite industrial officer added the union was open to a multi-year deal on the basis that it was a fair offer.

He said: “Something will need to shift but this situation is now in the hands of the politicians.

“They know what it will take and that’s an offer on the table which at least matches the one made to other UK council workers amounting to £1,290 or 5.2% for a council worker earning around £25,000.”

Cosla and the Scottish government have been approached for comment.