Two unions call off bin worker strike after new pay offer

Graham McNab, Unite’s lead negotiator for local government, said members had “remained resolute” in an effort to secure a better pay offer.

He said: “We believe that the new pay offer is credible. For the first time in years, it will mean all council workers receiving an above inflation increase.

“Unite will now suspend the eight days of strike action so a ballot can take place on the new offer.”

GMB Scotland said the offer was “a significant improvement on what came before” but that it would be down to its members to decide if it was acceptable.

The union’s senior organiser in public services, Keir Greenaway, said: “It is better than that offered to council staff in England and Wales, would mean every worker receives a rise higher than the Retail Price Index and, importantly, is weighted to ensure frontline workers gain most.

“As a gesture of goodwill, we will suspend action until our members can vote on the offer.

“It should never have got to this stage, however, and Scotland’s council leaders have again shown an absolute lack of urgency or sense of realism.