SCHOOL, social care and refuse workers in Inverclyde are to be balloted on potential strike action amid demands for an improved pay offer from bosses.

More than 43,000 local authority employees across Scotland should have been given their annual wage rise at the start of April, however, union leaders say staff are 'frustrated' at having 'only received an offer of just two per cent', or 39p per hour.

Unison members say hopes of a better deal being put on the table this week - to avoid the long delays workers experienced last year - have been dashed, and walkouts could begin in a matter of weeks.

​Colette Hunter, Unison Scotland local government committee chair, said: “Council staff should have received a cost of living pay rise last month. But the offer is miles away from the level staff deserve.

​“There seems no other option but to begin strike ballots. Workers aren’t willing to put up with long delays.

​“Council waste and recycling staff will receive official strike ballots through the post very soon. Unless Cosla comes up with a fair pay offer it looks like strikes will be going ahead.”

​The ballot will be in three phases, with waste and recycling staff being balloted first in the coming days, while others will get their ballot papers later in the summer.

​If refuse workers vote in favour of a strike, action could start as early as July, potentially leaving piles of rubbish stacked up in streets.

The union's lead for local government, David O’Connor, said: “The employers promised an improved offer would come this week. Council staff have made it very clear that they’re not willing to be strung along.

​“If Cosla makes a better proposal soon, it’ll be considered. Strike action is always the last resort, but as it stands, there’s no choice but to start an official ballot.”