MORE than nine in 10 union members have rejected a “derisory” pay offer for council workers, raising the possibility of strikes later this year.

GMB Scotland said 93 per cent of its members had rejected the proposed wage rise, “increasing the prospect of significant industrial action across local services this summer.”

An offer tabled by the Scottish government would see workers earning less than £25,000 get an £800 rise, while those on £25,000 to £40,000 would get a 2 per cent. Staff making more than this would be awarded 1 per cent.

GMB, which represents 20,000 local government workers, predominantly in services such as home care, refuse, school support, and roads and maintenance, is calling for a “significantly improved offer.”

Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty recently called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to urgently intervene over the controversial pay proposal.

A spokesman for local government body Cosla said: “We have made an offer to our trade union colleagues. This offer remains on the table whilst we continue with ongoing constructive negotiations.”