UNION bosses have called off strike action by council workers after concessions by COSLA.

Up to 1,500 Unison members in Inverclyde were due to walk out on Tuesday over the ‘living wage’ and consultation over pay rises in future.

The new offer focuses on three main areas of the dispute, and employers will now respect the ‘bargaining machinery’ where there will be joint negotiations over proposed pay increases and consolidation of the living wage.

Robin Taggart, Unison branch secretary for Inverclyde, has welcomed the move, saying: “They’ve come quite a bit from where they were.

“Because our members voted to take strike action, this has forced employers to review their position, which they wouldn’t have done if workers hadn’t voted for strike action. The ballot has had a positive effect on negotiations.” Unions have also been campaigning to get a supplement paid to those who are paid less than the living wage of £7.65 scrapped.

Mr Taggart explained: “This means if there is a pay award, the basic pay increases and the supplement decreases.

“We have been campaigning to scrap this practice and to pay a living wage.

“The second issue is to respect the bargaining machinery to ensure that there is consultation between both sides over pay rises before there is an outcome — employers imposed a one per cent increase this year and next year.” A consultation period between the union and members will start on Monday and run until 3 November to give them the opportubity to accept or rejct the latest position.

Mike Kirby, Unison Scottish secretary, said: “On getting the employer back round the table, COSLA have agreed to reinforce their commitment to joint negotiation and to adhere to the collective bargaining process. Unison will use this commitment to continue to press for fair pay.

“This is real progress and shows what we can achieve when we work together. Unison remain determined to continue the fight for fair pay.”