Pay talks to resume in Scotland
- Published: 22 August 2008 08:19
- Author: Louise Hunt
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 22 August 2008 15:51
Local authority employers in Scotland have agreed to re-open talks over a pay deal for the country's council workers.
Unison, representing the largest group of council staff, welcomed the approach by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, following a 24-hour strike on Wednesday.
COSLA has also agreed to withdraw its three-year fixed 2.5% pay offer.
COSLA head of employers organisation Joe Di Paola said "There was general acceptance that the three years would no longer be feasible," adding that there were no current plans to change the amount.
Dougie Black, Unison regional Officer and Secretary to the TU negotiators, said he was pleased at the news, following the strike by members of the three unions on Wednesday.
"Members made it very clear that they want a settlement that protects them from inflation and does not lock them in to multi-year awards.
"The talks are welcome but are not in themselves a solution. We will be talking to our fellow unions to agree future action should it be required, and will announce this later."
Council services across Scotland were disrupted by the 24-hour stoppage, which saw over 150,000 staff walk out of their jobs, forcing many schools and other council services to close for the day.
