Two-year deal overwhelmingly backed by workers

Unite the union has today (12 August) confirmed that its local government craft membership have voted to accept a pay offer from COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities). 

The craft workers agreement covers a two-year period running from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027.  It comprises a four per cent uplift in pay which will run over the first year followed by a 3.5 per cent uplift in April 2026.  

The agreement will also see increases in bonuses, tool allowances, stand-by payments, along with apprenticeship rates of pay. The craft agreement covers tradespersons in local government and outsourced workplaces who maintain council buildings and housing. It covers a range of trades including joiners, labourers, painters and electricians. 

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “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.” 

The COSLA craft agreement comes under the scope of the Scottish Joint National Council Craft Operatives group which is a separate bargaining process from the wider local government employees pay agreement. 

Unite’s wider local government membership also recently voted to accept a two-year pay offer which matches the craft agreement. The deal represents a cumulative uplift in basic pay of 7.6 per cent by April 2026. 

Stevie Dillon, Unite regional coordinator said: “The COSLA pay deal is a sign of further progress for craft workers across Scotland.  It’s a deal which got the overwhelming support from our membership and it will help build stronger foundations for future pay talks.”

 ENDS  

Notes to Editor 

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922.Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org  Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.