Third union to ballot council staff on strike over pay

Unison said the first council workers to be balloted on striking will be those who work in waste and recycling.

School staff and care workers will be balloted later.

The GMB will also ballot care workers – any action by them could affect both home and residential care.

They should receive ballot papers next week and voting will be open until June 19.

The union says workers in other areas, including waste, may also be balloted if necessary.

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, said: “This offer is already far too late and, from what we have heard, is almost certain to be far too low.

“Our members have already shown great patience but enough is enough.

“Council leaders must already suspect their offer will not be accepted but continue to waste time and inflict uncertainty.

“They claim to have no money but have made no serious attempt to persuade Scottish government ministers to provide the money needed for a realistic, acceptable offer.”