03 October 2008
Council leaders in Scotland were in last-ditch talks with the unions this week in an attempt to avert further strike action over a pay dispute.
A spokesman for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities confirmed that fresh discussions had been called ahead of a planned walkout by local authority call centre staff beginning on October 6.
The Cosla spokesman told Public Finance that council negotiators were prepared to meet the unions at any time. But he emphasised that Cosla had already moved twice on the original 2.2% pay offer, which now stands at 2.5% for one year, instead of three.
Union negotiators are demanding a 5% increase. 'The unions must come to the meeting with a degree of reality in their position,' the spokesman said.
The latest strike action planned by Unison, Unite and GMB covers call centres in 19 local authorities. It will extend over the next fortnight unless the dispute is settled.
Matt Smith, Unison Scottish secretary, said the union wanted to break the current impasse. He added: 'Both parties need to be prepared to negotiate.'
PFoct2008
