 Previous strike action closed many Aberdeen schools |
A planned two-day strike by cleaners, caterers and carers in Aberdeen has been called off following a meeting between council and union officials. About 500 workers had been planning to walk out on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could have disrupted 50 schools.
Some workers could be in line for equal pay settlements of about �15,000.
However, the Transport and General Workers Union claimed the offer was only 75% of what had been demanded and was recommending staff reject it.
The payments are aimed at compensating low-paid, mainly female, staff by bringing their jobs into line with work of equal value, often done by men.
Aberdeen City Council was originally proposing to give out �13.5m in retrospective pay.
 | They don't want to cause any more inconvenience for the people in the city |
About 50 schools in Aberdeen were forced to close at the start of March after the staff held a 48-hour walkout.
The new proposed settlement, which was posted on Wednesday, is expected to cost about �15m.
Tommy Campbell, T&G union regional officer, said: "People still feel very determined about the issue, but feel the point has been well made.
"They don't want to cause any more inconvenience for the people in the city, so have decided not to go on strike.
"We are still unhappy with the offer, and the majority are going to fight on through the legal route."
The council said it was the best offer made by any local authority in Scotland.
Cllr Yvonne Allan welcomed the strike cancellation.
She said: "It's going to be good that the education and schools will not be disrupted. But I hope the staff affected are happy."