Strike action that could have closed schools and affected care services in Glasgow has been suspended after unions, the council, and lawyers began work on a financial deal. The council has targeted a payment by October.
Council staff had planned industrial action in April and May over an equal pay dispute. Unison and GMB said the dispute would remain live if legal discussions faltered. Strikes were due on 20 and 21 April, with further dates in May.
The council said anyone contacted about school or nursery closures could expect normal services to resume. A spokesman added: 'We will continue to work with trades unions and others representing claimants to deliver a settlement.'
The industrial action stems from a long-running equal pay dispute, mainly involving female workers, settled at an estimated cost of £500m in 2019. However, unions accused the council of 'unnecessary delays' in settling claims from after March 2018.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken wrote to unions saying the council was prepared to consider an interim or phased payment. She said: 'We remain committed to a settlement that has the same basis as the 2019 deal. We are targeting a payment in October.'
Sean Baillie of GMB Scotland said key commitments had been secured, adding: 'Our mandate for strike action remains live.' Unison's Tracey Dalling said: 'It is simply unacceptable that women were forced to take their fight all the way to the brink of strike action. However, this is good news for everyone across Glasgow.'
