NICOLA Sturgeon hit back at Labour MSP Paul Sweeney on Thursday after he claimed Glasgow City Council is “union busting” amid ongoing bin strikes.

The Labour MSP called the SNP-run council “disgraceful”, claiming it was hiring private contractors after cleansing workers voted to take strike action.

He said the council has used anti-union legislation to try to prevent the strikes from taking place.

Sturgeon hit back at Sweeney’s claim, agreeing it would be “disgraceful” – if what he was saying was true.

READ MORE: Glasgow bin collectors walk out on strike for COP26, GMB confirms

It comes amid an ongoing dispute over pay which has seen GMB members in Glasgow reject a pay offer by Cosla, opting to strike instead.

Speaking at First Minister's Questions, Paul Sweeney said: “As a member of the GMB trade union I think Glasgow City Council threatening to union-bust by using anti-trade union laws and by bringing in private contractors to try to break the strike is disgraceful and a paltry short-term fix to this long-running dispute.

“So if the First Minister agrees with this position will she please intervene and provide the leadership that has been sorely lacking so far and if necessary commit additional financial resources so that Cosla and Glasgow City Council can settle this dispute and pay these key workers fairly and treat them with respect.”

Sturgeon replied: “Of course, the things that Paul Sweeney talks about would be disgraceful - if they were happening.

"But they’re not – and let’s be very clear about that.

“As I understand it, I am not party to this, it was made clear to the council last Friday that they were not going to take legal action."

Earlier at FMQs, Sweeney asked Sturgeon: “What is the government’s response to Glasgow City Council cleansing workers taking strike action due to low pay?”

READ MORE: Glasgow bin strikes to go ahead as world leaders arrive

Sturgeon said she appreciated the extraordinary efforts of cleansing staff.

She continued: “That’s why although the Scottish Government has no formal role in pay negotiations we supported efforts to find a solution with alone off funding of £30 million.

“I was pleased to see that this intervention, along with a contribution from councils enabled Cosla to submit a significantly improved pay offer to trade unions.

“It is therefore disappointing that the GMB in Glasgow have chosen to pursue strike action at this stage. Although, of course, I respect their right to do so but I would urge all parties in Glasgow to quickly find a resolution.”