Wendy Dunsmore of Unite said the unions were “here for the long haul” as industrial action, which has already seen litter pile up on the streets of Edinburgh, spread to other parts of Scotland.
Ms Dunsmore insisted ministers needed to find more cash, as she called on the Scottish Government to at least match the £1,925 pay offer that has been made to council workers in the rest of the UK.
The 5% rise offered to local government staff in Scotland will see workers receive an average of about £900 more a year.
Cleansing staff in the Scottish capital have been out on strike since August 18, with the action timed to coincide with the Edinburgh festivals – with much of the Capital covered in rubbish – and bins overflowing.
1. Bins and litter along Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh city centre
Bins and litter along Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh city centre as cleansing workers from the City of Edinburgh Council are on the fourth day of eleven days of strike action. Workers at waste and recycling depots across the city have rejected a formal pay offer of 3.5 percent from councils body Cosla. Picture date: Monday August 22, 2022. Photo: Jane Barlow
2. The bin strike is set to last until August 30
The bin strike - due to last until August 30 - is happening at Edinburgh's busiest time of year. Photo: supplied
3. Refuse workers picketing in Grangemouth.
Refuse collectors, street cleansing teams and recycling centre workers who are members of Unite plan eight days of strike action. Photo: Michael Gillen
4. A member of the public walks past a bin and litter in Victoria Street in Edinburgh city centre
A picture from the fourth day of strike in Victoria Street in Edinburgh city centre as cleansing workers from the City of Edinburgh Council strike. Photo: Jane Barlow