Local government staff in Scotland have voted to accept Cosla’s two-year pay offer, says UNISON today (Monday).
Members of Scotland’s biggest local government union have voted overwhelmingly (83%) to accept a deal worth 4% this year and 3.5% in 2026/27.
The union says the pay deal exceeds the current cost of living, as well as next year’s inflation forecasts.
UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Suzanne Gens said: “This pay deal is a crucial step in turning round cuts to council staff pay.
“It gives local government workers some financial security now they know their pay will be higher than inflation over the next couple of years.
“This has only been achieved because of the determination of council workers to demand better.”
UNISON Scotland co-lead for local government David O’Connor said: “Council staff have accepted the deal but there’s no room for complacency.
“Local government has suffered over a decade of cuts. This pay deal shows what can be done when people stand together. Our campaign to protect council services continues.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the largest union in local government representing over 80,000 workers across all 32 councils.
– UNISON represents council staff across all pay grades who provide a range of services including education, social care, transport, environmental health, housing, planning, economic development and leisure services.
Media contacts:
Danny Phillips M: 07717 715277 E: d.phillips@unison.co.uk
David O’Connor M: 07958 121861 E: d.o’connor@unison.co.uk