Glasgow City Council and Unison reach potential deal in fire-and-rehire pay row

Glasgow City Council and Unison have reached a potential deal after an ongoing pay dispute sparked a controversial plan to fire and rehire 23,000 workers.

Scotland's largest local authority and the trade union have been at loggerheads over the council's intention to implement a new pay and grading system after the previous one was found to discriminate mostly against female workers.

However, some staff will see their wages cut by almost £11,000.

Unison has also raised concerns that some workers still do not know what their wage would be under the new system.

GMB and Unite previously agreed to ballot members on the council's offer, but Unison withdrew its support, which subsequently led to the fire and rehire plans.

The announcement sparked a public backlash, with the proposals put on ice after Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth intervened and got all parties back around the table.

On Monday, Unison leaders said a proposal for pay protection for workers facing losses had been increased to three years.

The council has also agreed to continue discussions with the union on outstanding issues including lower-paid workers, allowances, unevaluated jobs, equality impacts and the operation of the new pay model.

Unison says the latest position creates a "route towards" a ballot of its membership.

"Unison stood firm because Glasgow's workers deserved better than what was originally put on the table," branch secretary Chris Sermanni said.

"That position has secured significant movement. Staff will have three years' pay protection and further commitments around workers facing detriment.

"There's now a path for Unison members to give their verdict without the immediate threat of dismissal and re-engagement hanging over them.

"Importantly though, this isn't Unison's acceptance of the pay and grading package and the fight for improvements isn't over."

The union is preparing for a ballot later in October, expected to run for approximately four weeks.

The timetable will be confirmed to members once the remaining conditions and arrangements have been finalised.

The council has agreed not to issue fire and rehire notices during the ballot process.

Mr Sermanni said the period ahead will be used to keep fighting to give the whole workforce the information they need to make their decision.

Unison said important issues remain unresolved and negotiations will continue before members vote.

Ultimately, Mr Sermanni said, it will be Unison members who decide.

David Hume, GMB organiser at the local authority, said the proposals have come after "seven years of hard negotiation".

Mr Hume said the local authority had introduced new financial supports, including £110m to cover additional back pay, to address concerns raised by unions since the framework was approved by councillors in August.

He added: "We are satisfied these additional measures along with the protections already in place mean this framework will deliver fairer pay for workers across the council.

"It is their voice that must be heard now. It is their decision to take."

Glasgow City Council leader Ricky Bell confirmed the agreement removes the need for the local authority to consider dismissing and re-engaging staff and paves the way for the replacement of the current discriminatory pay arrangements.

"I am delighted that we have been able to reach agreement with Unison," Mr Bell said.

"This deal means we are able to remove the unpalatable prospect of fire and rehire, with proposals put to members in a ballot later this month.

"This is a strong and fair deal. Both GMB and Unite have already agreed to take it to their members and, with all three unions now engaging with their memberships, we are moving closer to the outcome we have always wanted to achieve: ending pay discrimination in Glasgow City Council once and for all."

Deputy First Minister Ms Gilruth said she was "pleased" an agreement had been reached.

She added: "I have been involved in intensive discussions in recent weeks, and this is the result of lengthy and detailed negotiations between Glasgow City Council, Unite, GMB and Unison.

"I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly for their efforts in reaching this positive outcome.

"The revised proposal, facilitated by additional financial support from the Scottish government, enables the council to end pay discrimination and protect all staff from any reduction in their pay until April 2030.

"It is welcome that we are now in a position where no dismissal letters will be issued, and there is no prospect of fire and rehire, and I hope that this is reassuring for staff."

(c) Sky News 2026: Glasgow City Council and Unison reach potential deal in fire-and-rehire pay row