Planned strikes by bin workers in Glasgow during COP26 have been called off following a new national pay offer to council workers.
Unions have agreed to suspend strikes after the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) made an 11th hour offer.
They will now consult with their workers on whether to accept the deal.
Pay talks had stalled after COSLA offered an £850-a-year increase to Scottish local government workers, which fell short of the £2,000 pay claim submitted by GMB, Unison and Unite.
Cleansing workers and school support staff employed by Glasgow City Council had voted in favour of industrial action during the United Nations climate conference, which starts on Sunday.
However, a COSLA spokesman confirmed a revised pay offer had been agreed by council leaders today and was now being considered by the unions.
And Drew Duffy, from the GMB, said: “We have received a new offer from COSLA that will be subject to a two-week consultation of our members from Monday, November 1, during which we have agreed to suspend strike action.
“While we are pleased that more money for key workers has been found at the 11th hour, the fact it’s taken to the brink of the COP to get this offer speaks volumes to our members.
“For months, COSLA said they couldn’t pay, and ministers said they wouldn’t pay, while staff have been attacked by political leaders for standing up for their services and value.
“Our members will now decide if this offer delivers that value, but it’s clear that ministers and employers must show far more respect to the people providing vital local services.”
The GMB said COSLA had proposed a one-year 5.89 per cent increase for the lowest paid council staff in Scotland, as part of a £1062 rise for all staff earning below £25,000.
UNISON also confirmed the threat of strike action had won an improved pay offer for its members, and all action would be suspended while consultation takes place.
The union said the COSLA offer includes £30million extra funds from the Scottish Government and £18.5million from Scottish councils.
Johanna Baxter, UNISON Scotland head of local government, said: “This improved pay offer rightly puts more money into the pockets of those on the lowest pay — it is just disappointing that UNISON members had to threaten to go on strike for their employer to recognise their worth.
“We will now consult our members on this offer and UNISON will continue to lead the fight to improve the terms and conditions of these workers in the forthcoming negotiations for the 2022 pay review.”
