Bin strikes to continue despite 'constructive talks' as John Swinney calls for 'dialogue' between unions and Cosla
25.08.2022 - 11:31
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
John Swinney has said "intense dialogue" needs to take place between unions and Cosla to end the current bin strikes across Scotland.
The Deputy First Minister and acting Finance Secretary met with unions and the local government body on Wednesday in a bid to resolve the dispute.
Both sides have failed to reach a deal on pay which led to bin workers in 13 local authorities, including Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee, walking out for a seven-day strike on Wednesday.
Cosla 's five per cent offer has been rejected by unions. Following talks between the pair on the eve of the industrial action union bosses called for a meeting with the SNP minister.
Swinney told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "There needs to be intense dialogue and negotiation between the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ( Cosla ), as the employers and the trade unions.
"I encouraged that in meetings yesterday with the president of Cosla Cllr Shona Morrison who came to see me yesterday and we had a very constructive discussion in which I encouraged Cosla to enter into discussions with the unions."
Cleansing staff in Edinburgh have been out on strike since August 18, with the action timed to coincide with the summer festivals.
Festival goers have been met by mountains of rubbish with Swinney saying it was "deeply concerning" for public health.
Union chiefs welcomed the meeting with Swinney saying it will continue to work with him and Cosla in order to solve the dispute over pay.
Johanna Baxter, UNISON head of local government said: "We have held detailed constructive talks with Deputy First Minister this evening at St Andrews House.
"We welcome that he listened to UNISON concerns and was keen to explore how he could support getting council pay