Union Warns Strike will Close Schools in John Swinney’s Constituency
In a move that could significantly impact schools in Scottish First Minister John Swinney’s local area, union leaders have announced strike action lasting two weeks. Unison, the largest local government trade union in Scotland, has notified Perth and Kinross Council of the impending strike in schools and early years centres.
The union’s decision to target the strike action in Mr Swinney’s constituency is aimed at emphasising the importance of reaching a fair settlement in the council pay dispute. Unison members voted against the latest pay offer from the local government umbrella body Cosla, which proposed an increase of 67p per hour or 3.6%, whichever is higher.
Despite Unison’s opposition, council leaders in Scotland have voted to implement the deal, noting that two other unions, GMB and Unite, have accepted it. Unison members are dissatisfied with the offer as they believe it falls short compared to the wage hikes granted to other public service workers, such as nurses and NHS staff who received a 5.5% increase.
The strike action, scheduled to commence on October 21, could result in the closure of schools and early years centres in Perth and Kinross for up to two weeks. Considering that the strike follows the October holiday, schools may remain shut for a total of four weeks.
Stuart Hope, the branch secretary of Unison’s Perth and Kinross division, called on the First Minister to engage with union members on the picket line to understand the feelings of undervaluation among council staff in his constituency. Expressing reluctance towards the strike, Hope highlighted that employees are taking a stand after enduring a decade of pay cuts, while witnessing better deals in other sectors.
He stressed the importance of a fair pay agreement, stating that the lack of progress despite six months passing since the intended implementation date of April 1 is unacceptable. Hope further criticised the imposed wage rise that a majority of Unison workers rejected, underlining the ongoing struggle for fair compensation.
Unison is urging the Scottish Government to address the decline in local government funding and demonstrate greater appreciation for councils and their dedicated workforce, akin to other public service areas. The Scottish Government and Cosla have been contacted for comment regarding the impending strike action.