The members of two trades unions representing council workers in Scotland have rejected the pay offer from Cosla.  Cosla had offered a pay rise of below the rate of inflation this year and next year, effectively a pay cut for workers.  Today's figures see inflation falling to 4.5% from 5.2%, still well above the Cosla offer of 3% this year and 2.5% next year.

GMB represent 25,000 council workers and voted 2-1 against accepting the offer.  Unite members also rejected the deal, their Scottish Regional Orgainser Jimmy Farrelly said his union's members voted for rejection in a high turnout.

"There is a genuine resentment and frustration by our members".

Solidarity Co-Convenor Rosemary Byrne called on the party's members to get behind the union members in the next stage, possible strike action:

"Many of Solidarity's members play an active role in these unions in local government, we will stand alongside them in this fight for as long as it takes."