BIN STRIKES CALLED OFF

But Robison warns offer is at affordability limit

- CHRIS MCCALL

BIN strikes across Scotland have been suspended as trade unions ask their members to vote on an improved pay deal.

Refuse workers from 26 of the country's 32 local authorities had been due to walk out for eight days from tomorrow.

Unite, Unison and the GMB each announced yesterday they had suspended planned strikes.

while members were balloted.

A breakthrough was reached last week when the Scottish Government made additional funds available to Cosla, which represents council leaders.

A previous pay offer of 3.2 per cent was rejected by the unions.

But an improved deal worth 4.27 per cent has now been tabled.

It would see all council workers get a rise of least 3.6 per cent, with the lowest-paid receiving an extral 5.63 per cent, or £1292.