WASTE workers in Clackmannanshire have rejected an improved pay offer from Cosla, ensuring that planned industrial action will go ahead.

The workers’ pay body put forward an increased offer to waste, recycling and street cleaning staff across 14 council areas, following the rejection of their initial offer.

Unison members declined this offer as well, with Cosla nervous of the planned days of strike action in response.

Kevin McIntyre, branch secretary of Unison Clackmannanshire, said: “Unison have rejected a new pay settlement offer from Cosla as its value was no different from the offer that had already been turned down by our members.

“Cosla and the Scottish Government are aware that strikes between waste and street care services are fast approaching and that a ballot for staff and early years is due to take place over the next few weeks.

“It is disappointing, though unfortunately unsurprising, that they have not taken the opportunity to come up with a fair pay settlement and that once again trade unions will have no choice but to take strike action, inconveniencing the people of Clackmannanshire as waste is left in the streets, and schools and nurseries are closed down.

“We can only hope that the Scottish Government steps in to try to settle this dispute quickly.”

Cosla’s initial offer was rejected by Unison’s members, which put forward a 2.2 per cent rise over the first six months, followed by an additional two per cent rise during the subsequent 12 months.

They then came back with an improved offer, which granted a 3.2 per cent on all spin column points at Clackmannanshire Council, which was also wholly rejected.

Cllr Katie Hagmann, resources spokesperson for Cosla, defended the offer before its rejection, insisting it was fair and credible.

She said: “It is important to stress that this revised, fair offer is at the absolute limit of affordability for councils, given the sever financial constraints local government is facing.

“This strong offer is worth more than the first year of the Scottish Government’s current public sector pay policy.

“It is a strong, fair and credible pay offer, reflecting the high value council leaders placed on the local government workforce and the invaluable work they do every day serving communities across Scotland.”

Strike dates are yet to be confirmed, with Unison having a mandate for industrial action across Clackmannanshire and 13 other council areas.