COSLA agree to talks with unions following strike

Aug 28 2008 by Lesley Brown, Hamilton Advertiser

THE 24-hour strike which last week disrupted council services across South Lanarkshire has won a re-opening of talks with employers.

Members of UNISON, Unite and GMB trade unions staged industrial action last Wednesday over a pay dispute.

The council workers had been offered a 2.5 per cent pay deal over three years.

Trade union officials will meet with council employers the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) at their Edinburgh Offices today (Thursday) to discuss the pay deal.

UNISON’s Scottish local government branches met on Monday of this week. Members who had taken part in the strike were congratulated for their efforts.

News that COSLA had suggested further talks was also welcomed.

South Lanarkshire branch secretary for UNISON Stephen Smellie said: “We are pleased that COSLA have approached us to re-open talks on this year’s pay award following the successful strike.

“We also note that the invitation to talks addresses some of the contentious issues.

“Obviously we want a solution to this dispute so we hope that discussions can start quickly.”

He added: “Members made it very clear on Wednesday that they want a settlement that protects them from inflation and does not lock them in to multi-year awards.

“The talks are welcome but are not in themselves a solution. We will be talking to our fellow unions to agree future action, should it be required.”