STRIKE action by waste and cleansing workers in Scotland has been called off after employers proposed a new deal.

Eight days of walkouts by members of the Unite union at 18 local authorities was due to start tomorrow.

The union said that the new proposals included a minimum cash increase of £1,292 for the lowest-paid council workers — equivalent to 5.2 per cent for those paid around £25,000 —  and a 5.63 per cent increase in Scottish local authorities’ living wage. 

Union negotiator Graham McNab said: “Unite members across all of Scotland’s councils should be applauded for standing firm. They have remained resolute in an effort to secure a fairer and better pay offer. 

“We believe that the new pay offer is credible. For the first time in years, it will mean all council workers receiving an above-inflation increase.”

Unite member begin voting on the deal on Thursday.