Today (8th November 2024) COSLA formally wrote to the Scottish Joint Council (SJC) Trade Unions to supplement and enhance the existing pay offer made on 9th August (for an uplift of £0.67 or 3.6%, whichever is higher).

Commenting, COSLA Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said:

“Our Local Government workforce is vital for the delivery of essential services across Scotland. It has been a priority to work hard with Trade Union partners to find a solution to current pay dispute and I am delighted to confirm this positive step.

"Following the decision by council Leaders at the end of September to implement the SJC pay offer, we have continued to have a range of informal and formal discussions with all three Trade Union partners, with the ambition of reaching a collective pay agreement for 2024/25.

"We have listened to Unison’s asks in relation to non-pay elements and I am pleased that today we are able to formally respond to a number of their proposals. We have written to all three Trade Unions, supplementing and enhancing the already strong pay offer on the table, which has been accepted by GMB and Unite.

"The letter sets out COSLA’s and the Scottish Government’s shared commitment to make meaningful progress in key areas of interest to Unison. We are able to provide opportunities for early engagement around the future Local Government funding position which will help inform future pay discussions, as well as other significant areas.

"The existing pay award still remains at the absolute limit of affordability with no scope to increase its value, however we believe the additional elements as set out in our letter meaningfully enhance and strengthen the package on offer. We are hopeful that this will enable an agreement to be reached with Trade Unions partners and our pay negotiations to conclude. We have respectfully asked that Unison consider the strengthened offer and suspend any plans for future industrial action.”

"This positive step demonstrates the high value council Leaders place on the Local Government workforce and the essential role they play in supporting communities every day.”