TRADE unions have warned that “waste could pile high” in Ayrshire after workers confirmed they will walk out over a “shameful” pay offer.

Schools, early years workers and cleansing departments will down tools – with dates yet to be confirmed – if conditions are not met.

Unions confirmed last week that their local government membership in 26 councils throughout Scotland have rejected the two per cent pay offer by COSLA, the body representing local authorities, and voted for industrial action.

East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire councils are now set to be hit by industrial action.

Unison, along with Unite and GMB unions – who also represent council workers – have asked for a £3,000 increase and a £12 an hour rate as a minimum for all council workers.

Action specifically impacting schools is now also expected to begin in early September.

Trade union Unite has repeatedly warned both the Scottish Government and COSLA that the current two per cent offer is unacceptable amid the deepening cost of living crisis with inflation soaring to 11.8 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham 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.”

It is reported that more than half of Scotland’s 250,000 council workers are earning less than £25,000 a year for a 37-hour week.

Johanna Baxter, Unison head of local government, added: “Council workers south of the border yesterday were offered a flat rate uplift of £1,925, which for those on the lowest pay equates to a 10.5 per cent increase.

“You have to wonder why council workers north of the border have only been offered a measly two per cent increase when the cost of living continues to spiral.

“It is clear now that local government workers have had enough and are prepared to strike in the coming weeks unless we see a sensible offer, from COSLA, on the table on Friday.”

A Scottish government spokesman said: “Pay settlements for council workers - excluding teachers - are a matter for COSLA and are determined through negotiations at the Scottish Joint Committee (SJC).

“As it is not a member of the SJC, the Scottish Government cannot directly intervene in pay negotiations, which are for the trade unions to negotiate with COSLA.”

They added: “The Scottish Government urges all parties to continue dialogue and seek a resolution which avoids industrial action.”