Schools strike averted amid last-minute pay deal

WIDESPREAD strike action which was set to close schools and leisure centres in the Capital has been called off after employers stepped in with a last-minute pay deal.

Cameron Rose. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Branch officials from public services union Unison have suspended the walkout planned for Tuesday next week to consult members on new proposals put forward by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

Schools were preparing for potential closure as school support staff were among the local government workers set to down tools over demands for a £1 per hour pay rise and for all staff to be paid the living wage of £7.65.

A Unison spokesperson said: “The employers have agreed to go back to the bargaining stage of negotiations.

“We are sensitive to how cash-strapped local authorities are and we are willing to get back around the table.

“The living wage is going to paid in all local authorities across Scotland - they have committed to that.”

The members ballot on the new offering will open on Monday 20 October 2014 and close on Monday 3 November 2014.

A city council spokesperson said they were aware of the matter but the negotiations had been handled by COSLA.