Planned bin strikes across Scotland have been suspended as unions consider an improved pay offer from local authority body Cosla, following additional government funding. The new proposal includes a 3.6% rise for all staff and a £1,292 increase for the lowest-paid workers, equating to a 5.63% rise. Unite and GMB have decided to suspend strike action while they ballot their members, with the results expected by September 5. This offer, which represents an overall increase of 4.27%, is seen as a significant improvement over previous proposals that were rejected. Unison, the third union involved, has not yet made a decision. The strikes were initially set to affect waste collection in 26 out of 32 council areas from August 14 to 22.