Union Warns of Potential Education Staff Strike in September

Staff working in education and early years across 10 Scottish councils have voted in favor of targeted industrial action, raising concerns about potential strikes in September. Unite, the union representing these workers, announced that thousands of employees, including janitors, cleaners, caterers, classroom assistants, and admin staff, could participate in the strike when schools resume after the summer break.

Unite Union Pushes for £2,000 Uplift for Lowest-Paid Workers Amidst Ongoing Pay Dispute

According to BBC, the strike comes as a response to a pay dispute, with Unite members rejecting the current offer for 2023, which amounts to a 5% increase. According to a consultative ballot held in May, 84% of Unite members opposed the offer, which they considered insufficient in light of the current rate of broader inflation (RPI) standing at 10.7%. The union is pushing for a £2,000 uplift for its lowest-paid members, the same offer that was made last year.

Council body Cosla, which represents local government employers in Scotland, maintained that the offer presented to the workers was fair and substantial. The offer, referred to as a "strong offer," raises the local government living wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour. The 5.5% increase in the offer for the current year is expected to average a 7% uplift on salaries going into the next financial year.

Despite the council's stance, Unite has expressed its dissatisfaction with the negotiations, accusing Cosla of failing to seek financial support from the Scottish government to provide a more generous pay offer. The union has called for First Minister Humza Yousaf to intervene in the pay dispute, stating that the negotiations have collapsed.

Potential School Strikes Raise Concerns About Disruptions in the New Term in Scotland

According to Yahoo, the situation has further escalated, with GMB Scotland union members also voting for strike action in councils across Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Falkirk, Glasgow City, Orkney, Renfrewshire, and South Ayrshire. Unison, the largest council union, is currently balloting its members on possible action.

Graham McNab, regional officer for Unite in Scotland, emphasized that the potential strike could involve thousands of union members. He stated that some members were experiencing severe financial difficulties, turning to food banks and universal credit due to the current pay situation. McNab criticized the lack of progress in negotiations, claiming that little had changed since the original pay offer was presented.

In response to the ongoing situation, Cosla defended the offer, highlighting its positive impact on various pay grades and the overall recognition of the vital role council workers play in delivering essential services. The council body added that the offer also commits to working towards a £15 per hour pay deal.

According to The London Economic, both the Scottish government and Cosla have expressed their commitment to continue negotiations to reach a suitable and affordable settlement for the dispute. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth emphasized the value of school support staff, noting their crucial role in the functioning of schools and communities. She stressed the importance of securing a fair and affordable pay deal that satisfies both the trade unions and Cosla.

As the situation unfolds, there is a possibility of school strikes disrupting the new term, potentially leading to school closures in the 14 council areas affected by the potential strikes. The unions hope that the prospect of disruption will compel the authorities to present an improved pay offer, averting further action. Amidst concerns about potential disruptions following the pandemic and teachers' strikes, parents and students anxiously await the resolution of the pay dispute to ensure a smooth start to the new school term.

The affected councils are: Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Fife, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, and Orkney.