Glasgow City Council has paused a controversial "fire and rehire" proposal that would have impacted 23,000 non-teaching staff, following talks with unions and the Scottish Government. The decision comes after negotiations aimed at resolving a long-standing equal pay dispute with the Unite, GMB, and Unison unions had previously stalled. The original plan would have required the council to dismiss all non-teaching workers and rehire them under new contracts, which would have taken effect from January 1. This strategy, known as fire and rehire, is often used to pressure workers into accepting new terms by threatening job loss. Workforce convener Councillor Allan Casey confirmed that a temporary pause had been agreed upon. This allows for the reconsideration of an Acas (the independent body that helps resolve workplace disputes) package, which includes guidance on how to resolve the dispute. The council aims to reach a collective agreement on a new pay and grading system that is fair and free from discrimination. The plan is to present this proposal to staff for a vote. Both Casey and the council leadership remain committed to working with unions and staff to create a more equitable and sustainable pay structure. A spokesperson for the STUC, which represents the Unite, Unison, and GMB unions, welcomed the decision to halt the fire and rehire plan. They praised the Scottish Government for its stance that such practices do not align with the principles of fair work. Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth also expressed relief that the council had agreed to pause the process of dismissing staff. She emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute and ending discriminatory pay practices, urging all parties to continue exploring all options for a collective agreement. The Scottish Government has consistently opposed the use of fire and rehire, stating that it is not in line with fair work principles. The council and unions are now expected to return to the negotiating table for more in-depth discussions. The outcome of these talks will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached without resorting to drastic measures. The focus remains on finding a fair and sustainable solution for all involved.