CITY councillors are being urged to support a fresh plea seeking a pay rise for frontline staff who risked their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Glasgow’s new Labour leader, councillor Malcolm Cunning, is inviting members to back his plans to engage with COSLA and the First Minister while asking the Scottish Government to administer the raise.

It comes following protests and demonstrations from essential staff who believe everyone who has worked throughout the global pandemic should be rewarded for the efforts.

Glasgow Times:

Last month the city’s cleansing staff were joined by home care workers at a socially distanced protest to demand a Covid-19 bonus payment and for the Scottish Government to recognise the sacrifices and hard work of low-paid front line staff.

READ MORE: 'Frustrated' Glasgow cleansing workers walk out as council dubs action an 'illegal strike'​

It followed a petition from GMB Union members which was submitted to the First Minister in July with more than 8000 signatures from key workers in local government and NHS Scotland.

Nurses and care staff have also spoken of the heartbreak and devastation they have faced after they missed out on a pay rise awarded to doctors, dentists, teachers and members of the Armed Forces.

They say that while they appreciate the support of the public during the weekly Thursday night “clap for carers” this doesn’t pay the bills and the work of all key staff should be reflected appropriately.

In his motion Mr Cunning appears to agree with these sentiments.

He is asking the council to express its sincerest condolences to the thousands of people affected by the tragic loss of life as a result of the coronavirus pandemic while recognising the enormous stresses and pressures on everyone during this incredibly trying time.

READ MORE: 'Clapping doesn't pay our bills': NHS staff to stage demonstration outside Glasgow Royal Infirmary​

He writes: “[The] council notes the phenomenal response from frontline staff across the council family, the public sector and our third sector partners, who have kept the city going by delivering essential tasks and services.

“We believe that the Coronavirus pandemic has revealed the true extent to which we all depend on these essential services and the staff that carry them out.

“The regular ‘Clap for Carers’ and other frontline staff demonstrate the gratitude and respect for the those involved; and believes that gratitude should be matched by action.

“[The] council resolves to pay tribute to all those involved in the response to the public health emergency and associated lockdown; and to add its collective voice to the calls for a pay rise for frontline workers, that is fully funded by the Scottish Government and instructs the Leader of the Council to engage within COSLA and write to the First Minister in these terms.”

This Thursday, September 10 members will discuss the motion at a full council meeting where a decision is expected to be made.