Strike action is set to close schools for two weeks in John Swinney’s constituency, affecting parents and children across Perth and Kinross. After the October break this month, the area could face an additional two-week closure due to industrial action announced by Unison, the largest local government trade union in Scotland. Unison has notified Perth and Kinross Council of the strike action targeting schools and early years centres, aiming to pressure First Minister John Swinney to address the ongoing council pay dispute.
The strike action, scheduled to begin on October 21, could result in schools and learning centres being shut for a fortnight, extending the break for students to a total of four weeks. Unison members rejected the latest pay offer from the local government umbrella body Cosla, which proposed a pay increase of either 67p per hour or 3.6%, whichever is higher. While Cosla has implemented the deal following acceptance by two other unions, Unison members feel the offer lags behind wage increases in other sectors, such as the NHS.
Stuart Hope, Unison’s Perth and Kinross branch secretary, emphasised the frustration of council staff over a decade of pay cuts and the disparity in wage offers compared to other public services. He called on the First Minister to engage with union members on the picket line to understand their concerns and the importance of fair compensation. Unison members are taking a stand to highlight the need for equitable pay and to address the prolonged delay in reaching a satisfactory agreement.
In response, Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison emphasised the need to avoid disruption to children’s education caused by industrial action. She defended the pay offer as favourable compared to the rest of the UK, with the lowest-paid workers receiving a 5.63% increase. Councillor Katie Hagmann, Cosla’s resources spokesperson, supported the pay offer as a fair and necessary adjustment aligned with other sectors’ wage agreements.
While concerns mount over the potential impact of the strike on communities, particularly children and young people, Unison is urged to reconsider the pay offer, which has already been accepted by GMB and Unite. The ongoing dispute underscores the challenges faced by council workers in securing fair compensation amid financial constraints. As negotiations continue, the decision to proceed with strike action reflects a broader call for recognition and value for the essential work of local government employees.