CRAFT workers in councils across Scotland have backed a pay deal worth over 7.6 per cent over two years, their union Unite announced today.

The agreement, negotiated by the union with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), will cover trades such as joiners, labourers, painters and electricians working directly for local government, as well as their outsourced colleagues who maintain council buildings and housing.

Workers will see a 4 per cent pay boost this year backdated to April 1, followed by a further 3.5 per cent from April 2026 as well as increases to bonuses, tool allowances, stand-by payments, and improvements in apprenticeship rates.

Welcoming the agreement, negotiated separately from wider council pay bargaining, Unite regional co-ordinator Stevie Dillon called the deal “a sign of further progress,” which he hoped would “help build stronger foundations for future pay talks.”

General secretary Sharon Graham added: “Unite’s craft members will receive good pay increases over two years providing much needed stability and security.  

“Unite successfully negotiated this deal which will boost the jobs, pay and conditions of thousands of craft workers across Scotland.”