PLANS for binmen to strike in Glasgow during COP26 have been ditched after a last-minute pay rise offer from COSLA. 

The umbrella body - responsible for all councils in Scotland - made an eleventh-hour bid to break the strike deadlock today. 

Under the proposal, cleansing workers and teaching staff could benefit from a one-year 5.89% pay rise for the lowest-paid council employees as part of a £1062 rise for those earning below £25,000.

It remains subject to a two-week consultation, however, the bid has led union chiefs to suspend plans for potential strikes during the climate summit.

Drew Duffy, GMB organising and equality officer, said: “We have received a new offer from COSLA that will be subject to a two-week consultation of our members from Monday, November 1, during which we have agreed to suspend strike action.

“While we are pleased that more money for key workers has been found at the 11th hour, the fact it’s taken to the brink of the COP26 to get this offer speaks volumes to our members.

“For months, COSLA said they couldn’t pay, and Ministers said they wouldn’t pay, while staff have been attacked by political leaders for standing up for their services and value.

“Our members will now decide if this offer delivers that value, but it’s clear that Ministers and employers must show far more respect to the people providing vital local services.” 

Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA’s resources spokesperson, said:  “Council leaders have reached an agreement today on a new and significantly improved offer that will hopefully be fully acceptable to our workforce and get the money into their pockets as soon as possible.

“We are pleased that as a result of this improved offer our trade union colleagues have notified us this afternoon that they will suspend strike action.” 

A majority of union members had voted to take industrial action during the climate summit after the "kick in the teeth" pay offer from COSLA last week. 

Elsewhere, potential rail strikes during the event have also been halted after a pay rise deal was struck between ScotRail and RMT.