Unite members vote to accept latest council pay offer

Unite’s ballot results came almost a week after the GMB announced its members had also overwhelming voted to accept the offer.

Keir Greenaway, the union’s senior organiser in public service, said the pay rise must now reach members without further delay.

He said: “It may have taken the threat of industrial action to secure this offer but it is above inflation and weighted to benefit frontline workers most.

“That is what all the unions had asked for and it is what our members voted for. Councils must now act with urgency to ensure it is delivered as quickly as possible.

“Our members have already been forced to wait five months during needlessly delayed negotiations. They should not be asked to wait a minute longer.”

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said:

“I am delighted that Unite members have voted to accept this pay offer. They join members of GMB in recognising the clear benefit of this above-inflation offer for all workers, especially the lowest paid.

“While this government fully respects the decision by Unison members to reject the offer, I would urge members to reconsider.

“The Scottish government will continue to work constructively with COSLA as efforts continue to secure a deal and avert industrial action, which is in no one’s interests.”