Councils impose pay deal

Rubbish collections have been disrupted

Scotland's councils are to impose a pay offer on workers as attempts continue to try to settle a long-running dispute.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) said it was "morally obliged" to ensure staff received the rise as quickly as possible.

About 70,000 Unison workers took part in the third one-day stoppage across Scotland on Thursday in pursuit of a higher offer than the 6.1% over two years currently on the table.

Based on legal advice we have to apply the award to all staff, including Unison members

SJC chairman Jimmy Mutter

Transport and General and GMB union members in local government accepted the deal earlier this year.

Cosla vice-president Pat Watters said councils were now nine months past the pay settlement date.

"This decision has ben taken by employers following extensive discussions involving both sides of the Scottish Joint Council (SJC) and now steps will be taken through Acas to enter into conciliation talks to end the dispute," he said

The talks at Acas could take place next week.

Jimmy Mutter, chairman of the employers' side of the SJC, said: "We are honour-bound to apply the pay increase to TGWU and GMB members since they have accepted our offer.

All workers are to receive the rise

"Based on legal advice we have to apply the award to all staff, including Unison members.

"Unison have indicated that they would not view this as a provocative act on the part of the employers.

"We have no alternative but to pay, following the legal advice and the difficulties in payroll terms of separating members of different unions."

Council services such as refuse collection, social work and leisure centres have been disrupted by the strike action.

On Thursday, Unison said it would be escalating the indefinite stoppage involving selected workers from 23 November.

This tactic is running alongside the series of one-day strikes.