SNP ministers have warned rubbish "could pile high" on Scottish streets after two unions confirmed their members will walk out over a "shameful" pay offer.
Council workers from 13 local authorities will walk out over a two per cent pay increase offered to them by Cosla – the body representing local authorities.
Schools staff, nursery workers and cleansing departments represented by Unison and the GMB will down tools with dates yet to be confirmed.
Local authority areas affected include Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire, and Stirling.
The Scottish Government said today it had "no formal role" in the row over wages.
Members in all councils across Scotland voted to reject the pay offer of two per cent and secured turnouts surpassing the statutory 50 per cent threshold for public sector ballots.
Unison, along with Unite and GMB unions – who also represent council workers, have asked for a £3,000 increase and a £12 an hour rate as a minimum for all council workers.
Cosla leaders will meet on Friday and the Unison says they “must” put forward an improved offer on the table to avoid disruption to council services across Scotland.
Johanna Baxter, Unison head of local government, said: “Council workers south of the border yesterday were offered a flat rate uplift of £1,925, which for those on the lowest pay equates to a 10.5% increase.
“You have to wonder why council workers north of the border have only been offered a measly 2% increase when the cost of living continues to spiral.
“It is clear now that local government workers have had enough and are prepared to strike in the coming weeks unless we see a sensible offer, from Cosla, on the table on Friday.
GMB Scotland senior organiser Keir Greenaway said: “Unless Ministers and Cosla make a significantly improved pay offer for the consultation of our members then strike action is happening across these vital services.
“The 2% cent that’s already been massively rejected is a shameful proposal, it’s worth less than a tenner a week extra for those earning £25,000 or under, and it will turn a cost-of-living crisis into a catastrophe for many workers and their families.
“Two years ago, these workers were applauded on the doorstep by political leaders, but now they are being told to suffer massive real terms pay cuts ahead of a brutal winter with forecasts of double-digit inflation and energy bills over £3,000.
“Our members are angry and scared, and the prospect of tens of thousands of council workers falling into the growing ranks of the working poor is not something GMB is prepared to leave unchallenged.”
Scottish Labour said it would “stand in solidarity” with the claims of the workforce for a fair and decent pay increase that meets the rising cost of living.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Ministers note and respect the results of the local government industrial action ballots. Local government workers play a crucial role in our communities and are integral to our recovery from the pandemic.
“Although the Scottish Government has no formal role in the national, local government pay negotiations, both the Government and Cosla are working to jointly explore all of the options available to find solutions.
“In the meantime, the Scottish Government urges all parties to continue dialogue and seek a resolution which avoids industrial action.”
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