Unions consider improved pay deal

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Council strikes planned for next week have been called off as the unions considered an improved pay offer.

The employers Cosla have offered 3% for the first year and 2.5% for the second.

Cosla said that the suspension of next week's strike action was good news for Scotland's communities.

Initially unions were offered 2.5% for each of the next three years.

That was altered to 2.5% for the first year before the latest improved offer.

It would have been the third strike by council staff in seven weeks, after walkouts in September and August.

The good news for communities is that all strike action planned for next week has been suspended Cllr Michael CookCosla Dougie Black, Unison regional officer and leader of the negotiators, said: "After two strikes and previous fruitless negotiations, I'm pleased that we now have a new offer.

"It is at a level - 3% this year and 2.5% for next year - that needs to go back to members to get their view. In the meantime we have agreed to suspend the selective action to allow this to happen."

Councillor Michael Cook Cosla's Human Resource spokesman, said: "We had a fruitful and productive meeting with our trade union colleagues this afternoon.

"We have now explored every possibility and have managed to make them a new and improved offer which is the best that we can do.

"The unions have taken this deal away for consultation - but the good news for communities is that all strike action planned for next week has been suspended."