Facing strike threats from several trade unions representing council workers, the Scottish Government has met with represtantives from COSLA and trade union leaders on Tuesday to discuss local government pay.
Following the meeting Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison said: “The meeting with union leaders and COSLA was productive and I want to thank all the parties involved for their valuable input.
“While this wasn’t a negotiating forum – as The Scottish Government has no formal role in local pay negotiations – we absolutely recognise the importance of supporting meaningful dialogue to reach a fair pay deal and avoid industrial action.
“We are navigating turbulent financial waters. This week’s statement from the Chancellor revealed the extent of the challenges facing the public sector across the UK. What is particularly worrying is that in her statement the Chancellor announced she is not fully funding the public sector pay deals she has accepted. Instead, cuts are being demanded across most of Whitehall. That means that we will not receive full Barnett consequentials from these pay deals.
“It is amid this extremely challenging landscape then, that I have asked my officials to work at pace with local government officers to understand what an improved negotiating envelope may look like. I welcomed the willingness of COSLA and trade union leaders to engage constructively with that process.”
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