Trade workers in Scotland, including joiners, labourers, painters, electricians, and other skilled workers, have agreed to a new two-year pay deal with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

The agreement, which affects those working on local government projects and outsourced maintenance of council buildings and housing, includes several financial benefits.

Key Points of the Agreement

A 4% pay rise for the financial year starting in April 2026.
A further 3.5% pay increase the following year.
Increases to bonuses, tool allowances, standby payments, and apprenticeship pay.

While COSLA has confirmed these improvements, specific details on the breakdown of each component were not disclosed at the time of publication.

Union Leadership’s Statement

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham expressed her approval of the deal, stating that it would offer vital stability and financial security to craft workers. She emphasized that the union had successfully secured a deal that would enhance employment conditions and wages for thousands of craft workers across Scotland.

Unite’s Regional Coordinator, Stevie Dillon, referred to the deal as a “significant step forward” for workers, pointing out that it had received strong support from the union's members. He added that this agreement would lay a solid foundation for future pay discussions.

Wider Context

This new agreement follows a series of negotiations between COSLA and unions representing local government employees. In August 2024, COSLA proposed a revised pay offer, which included an overall 4.27% pay rise, with lower-paid workers receiving an additional £1,292 and a 5.63% increase in the local government living wage. The offer led Unite, GMB, and Unison unions to pause strike actions while they consulted with their members. While Unite and GMB accepted the offer, Unison advised its members to reject it, stating the deal was still not enough.

The approval of this new pay offer represents a major step in the ongoing campaign to secure fair wages and improved working conditions for Scotland’s public sector workers.

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