Waste and recycling staff in half of Scotland's councils have voted to strike over a pay dispute. Unite members in 16 local authorities rejected a pay offer from Cosla, the local government body. Cosla defended its offer and urged unions to reconsider. GMB members in 13 council areas have also voted to strike. The two unions criticised the offer as inadequate, with Unite's industrial officer calling it ‘pitiful’. Unite's general secretary has talked of years of underfunding and understaffing. A GMB senior organiser highlighted the drawn-out nature of talks and the refusal of council leaders to have meaningful discussions. Strike dates will be announced soon, potentially impacting the Edinburgh Festival. Cosla expressed disappointment, stressing the importance of rewarding the workforce within budget constraints.