The striking Glasgow homelessness caseworkers are celebrating victory today, after they voted by a clear majority to accept a new offer from the employer.

After a 17-week, all-out strike, the new offer was recommended to a meeting yesterday by the branch and the shop stewards.

It secures the central demand of the dispute – parity on grade 6 with other frontline social care staff.

The offer creates 68 new grade six posts. The three temporary caseworkers whose substantive posts are grade four will be given permanent grade five posts elsewhere in the homeless service.

There will be a reduction in management posts through voluntary early retirement.

The council has insisted on an assessment process for the new grade 6 posts and will not make any backdated payment. These were the reasons why those who voted to stay out did so.

However, the union will be consulted on the nature of the assessment process and workers will receive a one-off payment of £350 while that process is completed.

Branch secretary Brian Smith said: “The strike has been successful in winning a £1,000 increase following the assessment process, rising to £5,000 by 2018.

“In addition, the council has been forced to concede an acceptable number of grade six posts.

“The assessment process and the lack of any backdated money are a disappointment. In a climate of huge cuts to local government and against a hard-nosed management who tried to undermine the action by using other agencies, then the overall outcome of the strike should be celebrated.

“The 70 strikers conducted themselves magnificently. The UNISON Glasgow branch is so proud of them – we know that many others across the trade union movement feel the same. Well done to the Glasgow homeless strikers!”

And Mr Smith added: “Thank you to all those who donated so generously to the strike fund, invited the strikers to speak at your meetings and sent messages of support.”

Read the story of the Glasgow strikers