TWO trade unions are expected to announce on Monday whether or not their members in waste disposal will accept a new pay deal.

More than half of Scotland's council areas - including East Lothian - could face strike action in a dispute over pay, recalling the summer of 2022.

Two years ago strikes took place in 18 of the 32 council areas, leading to a number of streets overflowing with litter.

Public Health Scotland was forced to issue a health warning, with the strikes eventually ended after a 10 per cent pay increase for the lowest-paid staff was agreed.

Unison, the biggest union representing waste and recycling workers, has already rejected a new offer from Cosla, which it said put "absolutely no more money on the table".

It offered a 3.2 per cent rise from April 1 this year to the end of May next year.

GMB and Unite took the weekend to consider the offer and are expected to announce a decision on Monday.

Katie Hagmann, Cosla's resources spokeswoman, said: "We have been clear in all discussions with trade unions that the offer is also at the very limit of affordability for councils given the challenging financial situation we are facing.

"We must respect all our trade union colleagues and wait to hear from both GMB and Unite allowing time for their committees to meet before making any further comment."

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We await an announcement from the unions on their proposed next steps.”