Council Leader Cammy Day has welcomed today鈥檚 decision by the trade unions to suspend strike action and re-ballot their members on the latest pay offer from COSLA and the Scottish Government.
The revised offer would see a minimum increase of 3.6%, rising to 5.63% for the lowest paid.
Strike action had been due to commence on Wednesday (14 August).
I’m pleased that strike action has been suspended while union members consider this latest offer, which I'd urge them to accept.
On working with COSLA to put the latest deal on the table, I’m grateful that the Scottish Government have finally listened to local authorities, recognised the value of our hard-working colleagues here in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
I firmly believe that all council colleagues deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do and have every right to take this action and have their voices heard. As the lowest funded council in Scotland, it’s time for the Scottish Government to properly fund our capital city and its services.
We know from our previous experience of industrial action two years ago the huge impact it had on our city. If we do manage to reach a resolution, it will come as a huge relief to residents and businesses across Edinburgh, alongside the visitors from across the globe who are here experiencing our fantastic festivals.
I urge the Scottish Government and COSLA leadership to urgently reconsider how we approach these negotiations in future – otherwise we’ll find ourselves back here again in 12 months’ time.
All waste services will continue as normal pending the result of the ballot.