Unite the Union is set to recommend to its members that they accept the latest offer made by a Northern Ireland council over a pay dispute.
That's according to Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) who told MyDerry that Unite agreed to ballot its members on the improved pay offer in the coming weeks with a recommendation to accept it.
It comes after a four-week strike, which was set to take place from July 18 until August 14, was suspended last week after last-ditch talks.
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It's understood that Unite members have been offered a 2.5% pay increase by council management, while Unite told this publication last week that members were requesting a 10% rise.
DCSDC previously offered for employees a £1000 one-off payment to 'try and help with the cost-of-living crisis'. However, the proposal was firmly rejected.
The union informed the council of their intention to strike earlier this month, accusing the local authority of leaving workers "unprotected from surging inflation"
In a statement, a spokesperson for DCSDC said: Derry City and Strabane District Council [can confirm] that a final pay offer agreed by Elected Members of Council and presented at a local Joint Consultative Negotiation Committee ( JCNC) meeting today has been accepted by the unions, Unite and NIPSA.
"The Union has agreed to ballot its members on this improved pay offer in the coming weeks with a recommendation to accept it. Council welcomed the ongoing positive engagement with unions and the decision to suspend strike action to allow for this process to conclude.
"Council remains committed to continuing with the process so that it can arrive at a definite resolution to the pay dispute. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and valuing staff, adding that it is dedicated to reaching a mutually agreed and constructive outcome on this very important issue."
Unite the Union has been contacted for comment.
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