Dumfries and Galloway is set to be hit by bin collectors strikes after unions rejected a new pay offer.
Unite and GMB Scotland have turned down the latest deal from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), with Unison also recommending members refuse the offer.
As a result, the region’s waste collection workers will begin an eight-day walkout on September 6 – despite warnings the latest offer is “as good as it gets” and all options have been “exhausted”.
The Scottish Government claims the new deal includes a minimum payment of £1,925 for council staff, with those earning £20,000 receiving £2,000.
But Unite fears the payment could only be £989 for some workers, while the £1,925 payment on offer would not be recurring.
Unite industrial officer Wendy Dunsmore said: “Unite has rejected outright the latest pay offer from COSLA. The structure of the offer continues to disproportionately and unfairly effect the lowest paid with the majority of those being women.
“In real terms it leaves the lowest paid workers no better-off and a significant proportion of the offer does not enhance overtime, allowances or pensions.
“The offer remains unacceptable and it represents a waste of precious time. We understand the gravity of the situation across the country but equally our members are facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.
“Unite’s strike action remains scheduled for next week unless COSLA gets back to us with a credible offer which addresses our primary concerns.”
Members of both the Unison and the GMB in Dumfries and Galloway also voted for industrial action after rejecting the offer but cannot take part in a walkout as their ballot did not meet the required turnout rate.
The council has revealed it is putting contingency plans in place to deal with the strike.
A statement said: “We are expecting disruption to our household kerbside collections across the region between 6am on Tuesday, September 6 and 6am on Wednesday, September 14 due to strike action by Unite members.
“Bulky uplifts and commercial waste collection may be impacted, too.
“At this moment, no other council services will be affected and we are actively looking at contingency plans to minimise disruption.”
COSLA’s resources spokeswoman and Mid Galloway and Wigtown West Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “This year’s offer is significantly better and different to previous offers and would have helped to support our council workforces across the country at this difficult time.
“That support is crucial at any time but particularly now, during the cost of living crisis the country is facing. This is why we are so disappointed with the response to it from our trade union colleagues.
The Scottish Government provided an additional £140 million to councils in a bid to fund an increase.
