REFUSE workers across Glasgow have walked out in an ongoing industrial dispute over pay as the city hosts 100,000 visitors as part of the Cop26 conference.

Today’s strike came after last-ditch talks between the council and GMB collapsed on Sunday night.

More than 100 world leaders arrived in Glasgow today as the first day of the two-day world leaders’ summit takes place.

The council had been given hope that the action could be averted after a new pay offer from council umbrella body Cosla, with the GMB consulting members. 

But GMB accused Glasgow City Council of acting in bad faith, with members not allowed enough time to consider the offer. 

GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour said: “We met the council in good faith, offering a clear set of proposals to reset industrial relations and avoid strikes. The council rejected these proposals.  

“We specifically offered heads of terms to work together to tackle the chronic and unacceptable problems caused by years of cuts, to urgently address the employer’s unresolved discriminatory pay system and outstanding equal pay liabilities, and back this with a commitment from the council that they would not use anti-trade union laws against their workers again.  

“Regrettably, the council refused this massive opportunity to move forward and strike action across the cleansing service will now begin, during which time our members will be balloted on the Cosla pay offer.”  

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer joined workers on the picket lines across the city today morning, saying that these workers have been treated with contempt. 

The trade union body called for the council to commit to resolving pay issues and addressing the deep-rooted problems with the city’s industrial relations. 

Glasgow City Council claimed GMB had not given full notice ahead of the action. 

A council spokeswoman said: “The agreement struck at national level gave two weeks to consider the pay offer and so there is no reason for this strike to go ahead at this time. It is very disappointing the GMB has opted for this course of action.

“And, while we remain available to meet with them at any time, we are unable to deliver their request for a pay increase.”