WASTE, recycling and street cleaning staff in Fife are set to strike as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.

Fife is one of 14 councils who have voted to walk out over what UNISON says is an "inadequate pay offer" which affects all council workers in Scotland.

Employer organisation Cosla has made a two-stage offer, which covers an 18-month period, consisting of a 2.2 per cent increase for the first six months and an additional two per cent for the subsequent 12 months, ending in September next year.

This has been rejected by UNISON members.

UNISON Scotland head of local government David O’Connor said: “Council workers deserve a wage that reflects their essential roles.

"With over 95 per cent of those voting saying they are ready to take industrial action, it demonstrates how they feel, not only about the pay offer, but how undervalued they are feeling generally.

“Next week the union is to ballot over 38,000 education staff.

"If they vote to strike, then schools will also be closing in September.

READ MORE: Council workers to be balloted on strike action

"Cosla and the Scottish government have to understand the anger amongst local government workers. They feel let down. The only way they can get government to listen is to threaten strike action.”

UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Colette Hunter added: “This is a significant vote. Large parts of Scotland are weeks away from bins not being collected and rubbish piling up in the streets.

"Council staff are angry about the way they’ve been treated over the last decade.

“No-one wants to go on strike, it is always a last resort. But, local government workers have firmly rejected Cosla’s offer. They are simply asking for a pay deal that addresses below-inflation pay settlements.

"These have reduced the value of staff wages by a quarter over the past 14 years. Cosla needs to get back around the table with us.”

READ MORE: Lidl store news 'final kick in teeth' for Rosyth football club

A spokesperson for Cosla, which represents all 32 of Scotland’s councils, said: “Cosla has made a strong pay offer for Scotland’s Local Government workforce.

“This offer is at the limit of affordability within the very constrained financial circumstances facing councils.

“We are disappointed that strike action is being considered in some areas, and are concerned about the detrimental impact this disruption would have on our people and communities.

“Dialogue with our trade unions, who have been comprehensively briefed on the financial circumstances councils are facing, is ongoing. We remain committed to reaching a resolution as quickly as possible.”

Fife Council's head of human resources, Sharon McKenzie, confirmed that the council is aware of ​​ongoing national discussions on ​pay and the potential for industrial action.

"Should the prospect of local action arise, we will assess the impact this would have on our services in Fife ​to minimise the effect of this locally.

"CoSLA are continuing to negotiate with trade unions on behalf of councils across Scotland."