CLACKS workers in waste and recycling are set to join thousands of trade union colleagues when they go on strike this Friday.

The strike, part of four days of industrial action starting this week, comes amid an ongoing pay dispute with COSLA – the national body of local councils.

Waste collections and services at Forthbank Household Waste Recycling Centre will be disrupted this Friday, August 26, as a result.

Further action is planned for early-September while strike dates for school support staff are also expected to be announced.

Pamela Robertson, Clackmannanshire UNISON Branch secretary, said: "It is disgraceful that our members have been left with no other choice but to take strike action.

"The disruption that strikes bring to all of our daily lives is regrettable; however, we simply have no other means of ensuring that yet another real terms pay cut on top of the many that have gone before it does not plunge our members into poverty during this cost of living crisis."

Workers were balloted last month when COSLA offered staff a two per cent pay rise amid the cost of living crisis.

Since then, COSLA has made a fresh offer "that raises the overall value to five per cent and in addition raises the Scottish Local Government Living Wage to £10.50".

However, Johanna Baxter, UNISON Scotland head of local government welcomed the fact that "there appears to be more money on the table", but said: "COSLA have got themself into quite a muddle on this.

"The letter sent to us does not say that our members will get a five per cent pay rise.

"It is the offer of discussions about the configuration of a pay offer within a cost envelope of five per cent.

"Confused? Our members will be."

The offer came after a special meeting of council leaders on Friday, August 19.

COSLA resources spokesperson, Cllr Katie Hagmann, added: "Leaders have reaffirmed the need for a discussion with Scottish Government on how they can support councils by providing flexibilities and long term funding support.

"This will limit the risk to public services and the impact on communities."

However, with no firm agreement in sight, the strikes are still set to go ahead.

Andrew Kane, chair at Clacks UNISON, added: "UNISON members working in councils deliver essential public services and like our colleagues in the NHS, the Ambulance Service, Scottish Water etc., we were on the front lines of the Covid pandemic response, removing people's waste, cleaning schools and offices, supporting children in schools and nurseries, looking after the old and infirm, all of which came with the increased risk to our members of contracting Covid themselves.

"We will no longer accept cut after cut to our living standards and pay.

"COSLA and the Scottish Government have had several months to negotiate in good faith and come up with an offer that is both fair and meets the needs of our members.

"They have failed to do so and so now we will take action."

Since the strike action was confirmed, Clacks Council has published guidance for residents.

Bin collections have been cancelled for Friday, August 26, and Monday, August 29, and Forthbank will also be closed for the full four days.

Residents are encouraged to "make full use of all bins provided" by compacting waste to make sure they can fit in as much as possible.

This would entail flattening cardboard boxes, for instance.

Plastic bottles and other recycleable containers should be rinsed to avoid unpleasant smells.

Some items can be taken to community or supermarket recycling points.

Excess waste can be taken to Forthnak on the days it is open, but it is expected the centre will be busier than normal, residents being kindly asked to be patient if visiting.

People are being urged to share information with friends and family so no one is caught out by the disruption.