CLACKS council workers in schools and cleansing are set to go on strike in the coming weeks in a dispute over pay.

Members in the Unite trade union have voted in favour of industrial action across 26 councils, including in the Wee County.

Meanwhile, members of UNISON, including in Clacks, have also voted in favour of strike action.

It comes after the trade unions warned that a two per cent pay rise offer is unacceptable amid a deepening cost of living crisis.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The message for both the Scottish Government and COSLA is crystal clear: thousands upon thousands of members won’t tolerate real terms pay cuts anymore and they have had enough.

“Our members are being forced to take this action due to a derisory pay offer, and we will support them in this fight for better jobs, pay and conditions in local government.”

Strike dates are being finalised with action in refuse and waste services expected to begin in mid-August.

Action specifically impacting schools is expected to begin in early September, Unite explained.

Johanna Baxter, UNISON head of local government, said: "This is the largest strike ballot by local government workers in over a decade and the first-time workers across Scotland have voted to take strike action in these numbers. It really shouldn't take this for them to receive the recognition, respect and reward that they deserve.”

The Scottish Government is not involved in local government pay negotiations directly and Unite said it has welcomed a move by COSLA to call for extra money to be allocated to fund an improved pay offer.

A COSLA spokesperson said: “COSLA leaders are clear that they value hugely the local government workforce, which is why discussions with our trade union colleagues continue in order to reach an agreement and avoid strike action.

“As employers we have a responsibility to ensure that any pay deal offered is both sustainable and affordable and that is why we are unable to go beyond the current offer at this point.

“As mandated by leaders, we are currently in discussions with Scottish Government and await their response to leaders’ request for additional funding.”

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council added: "We are aware of discussions ongoing at a national level and hope to see an agreed position being reached.

"The council maintains business continuity plans to respond to events."