Local government workers vote to accept revised pay offer

Local government workers have voted to accept a revised offer from council employers after strike action earlier in the autumn, Unison has said.

The union said the deal paves the way for talks for 2025/26 on wage rises to a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour, a reduced working week and council finances.

The revised offer came after non-teaching staff in First Minister John Swinney’s Perth and Kinross constituency walked out in October for two weeks as part of the pay dispute, with schools in the area closed as a result.

Unison had rejected the pay offer from local government umbrella body Cosla of an hourly increase of 67p or 3.6%, whichever is higher.

However, council leaders in September voted to impose the deal despite Unison’s opposition, saying GMB and Unite members had accepted it.

Unison, the largest of three unions representing local government workers, said this year’s pay negotiations have now concluded and it will look to next year.

The union’s Scotland’s local government committee chairwoman, Colette Hunter, said: “Workers’ resolve and action have secured a route to what they hope will be a decent pay deal that will be in people’s pockets from April 2025.

“The Scottish Government will now be in the room with unions and Cosla when discussions about next year’s wage rise begin.

“This will include a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour, a reduction in the working week, and the perilous state of council finances.

“Council staff have shown they will take a stand on pay. That is crucial in protecting public services.”

Cosla resources spokeswoman and lead negotiator Katie Hagmann welcomed the news that Unison members have accepted the offer.

She said: “I am delighted to be informed that Unison’s consultative ballot has resulted in acceptance of the additional elements offered in our letter to the unions on November 8.

“Acceptance of the additional elements means we are able to conclude the 2024/25 pay negotiations with an agreement from all three trade unions.

“Council leaders will receive a full update on pay at their meeting on November 29 and I would thank everyone for their hard work during these important negotiations.”

Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am pleased that Unison members have agreed to end this year’s Local Government pay negotiations.

“The Scottish Government has provided £77.5 million to support this year’s pay offer and is fully supportive of all further non-pay elements set out by COSLA.

“This offer will see the lowest paid council workers receive a 5.63% pay increase and demonstrates how much we value Local Government workers who all play a vital role in delivering excellent local services for people and communities across the country.

“Although the Scottish Government has no formal role in Local Government pay negotiations, we will support future negotiations appropriately to ensure workers receive fair pay deals and our public services remain sustainable.”