Refuse workers in Glasgow are set to strike during COP26 unless they get an “improved” pay deal.
The GMB union says members have voted in favour of industrial action in response to their latest pay offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Workers are giving COSLA until Monday to come up with an “improved offer” or they will take action while world leaders are meeting at the SEC for the climate summit.
A COSLA spokesman said the organisation will “continue with ongoing constructive negotiations”.
Union rep Chris Mitchell posted a video on social media to send a “clear message” to the Scottish Government and COSLA.
Backed by members from the Queenslie and Bridgeton depots, he said: “We were called Covid heroes, we were called critical workers and essential workers.
“This is when low paid workers take a stance against COSLA and say enough is enough, because these heroes deserve a decent pay rise.”
The post added: “In Glasgow we have reached the legal threshold in our industrial action ballot. 96.9% voted in favour of industrial action in response to the latest pay offer from COSLA.
“Unless there is an improved offer on Monday, we will be taking action in Glasgow during COP26.”
Last month, 95% of members who participated in the GMB’s consultative ballot turned down an £850 increase for local government staff earning up to £25,000 a year.
The union then moved to the full industrial ballot of members employed in schools, local refuse and cleansing services across Scotland.
COP26 will be held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, with thousands of delegates expected to arrive to hold talks on dealing with the climate emergency.
The COSLA spokesman said: “We appreciate everything that local government workers have been doing, and continue to do, to support people and communities during the pandemic and as we begin to recover.
“We continue with ongoing constructive negotiations.”
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