Strikes to hit Forth Valley

Waste, recycling and street cleaning staff in Stirling and Clackmannanshire are to strike.

Members of trade union UNISON have backed industrial action, in a dispute over pay.

They've rejected a 2.2% offer from council body COSLA.

The union has warned rubbish could "pile up" in streets.

UNISON Scotland head of local government David O’Connor said: “Council workers deserve a wage that reflects their essential roles. With over 95% of those voting saying they are ready to take industrial action, it demonstrates how they feel, not only about the pay offer, but how undervalued they are feeling generally.

“Next week the union is to ballot over 38,000 education staff. If they vote to strike, then schools will also be closing in September. Cosla and the Scottish government have to understand the anger amongst local government workers. They feel let down. The only way they can get government to listen is to threaten strike action.”

UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Colette Hunter said: “This is a significant vote. Large parts of Scotland are weeks away from bins not being collected and rubbish piling up in the streets. Council staff are angry about the way they’ve been treated over the last decade.

“No-one wants to go on strike, it is always a last resort. But, local government workers have firmly rejected Cosla’s offer. They are simply asking for a pay deal that addresses below-inflation pay settlements. These have reduced the value of staff wages by a quarter over the past 14 years. Cosla needs to get back around the table with us."