Summer bin strikes loom as union ballots workers for industrial action

Council workers are being balloted for strike action – a move which could see rubbish piling up in the streets of Scotland this summer, a union has warned.

Unison, Scotland’s largest local government union, has confirmed that thousands of waste and recycling workers will consider action in their dispute over pay.

The union said the current offer from COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) to workers fell significantly short of what they deserved.

Earlier this year, 91% of workers consulted voted to reject it.

Unison said staff were left “frustrated” following the two part deal that would see them receive a 2.2% increase for the first six months and an extra 2% for the next 12 months.

Cleansing workers will stage a mass walkout in August if the action goes ahead.

Unison Scotland’s local government committee chair Colette Hunter said: “It’s disappointing that it’s come to a strike ballot. But Cosla has refused to either improve its pay offer or join unions in their call to meet the Scottish government to discuss additional funding.

​“Striking is always a last resort, but workers deserve to be paid wages reflecting their essential roles. They’re determined to achieve just that.”

The industrial action ballot will continue until Wednesday, July 17.

COSLA and the Scottish Government have been approached for comment.