Robison urges unions and COSLA to accept pay offer – Daily Business

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison is urging local authority leaders and trade unions to accept a pay offer, saying that there is no scope for a bigger deal.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have offered 4% for this year and 3.5% in 2026/27 which is being recommended by Unison to its members.

Unison represents 80,000 workers across Scotland’s 32 councils and began balloting members on strike action last month after local authority staff were offered a 3% pay rise.

The union said the ballot amounted to the biggest vote of its kind in years and was held after 92% of members indicated they would support industrial action.

Ms Robison said:  “Although the Scottish Government has no formal role in Local Government pay negotiations, we recognise the importance of an agreement being reached between COSLA – as the employer – and trade unions.

“Against an extremely challenging financial landscape, the Scottish Government has agreed with COSLA the route forward to delivering a strong offer to workers.

“By providing assurances for funding for the next two years, this will allow a renewed approach to negotiations that I am hopeful will result in an acceptable pay settlement.

“I welcome the news that UNISON is recommending that its members accept this deal. I would stress this (is) at the limit of affordability and would urge COSLA and trade unions to continue constructive and urgent negotiations in pursuit of a fair and affordable multi-year pay deal.”