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urther college strikes are set to happen in Scotland after a union voted to reject a pay supply.
About 9 out of 10 (89.9%) Unison members voted to reject the most recent pay supply for college assist workers from native authorities umbrella physique Cosla in a consultative poll.
The union, which represents assist workers together with directors, catering assistants and janitors, mentioned a rolling programme of strikes in colleges and nurseries will happen within the coming weeks, with dates introduced inside days.
The strikes comply with industrial motion by Unison members in 24 native authorities final month, main to high school and nursery closures throughout a lot of the nation.
It’s a really tough determination for anybody, however as a lot as that is about pay, it’s additionally about standing up for native providers
Unison’s Scottish secretary, Lilian Macer, mentioned: “No one takes industrial action lightly. It’s a very difficult decision for anyone, but as much as this is about pay, it’s also about standing up for local services.
“The school staff taking part in strike action support children in school every day of the year, and many are parents with school-age children too.
“Workers are taking action because they want children to be educated in well-resourced, well-staffed schools. They want to start trying to reverse years of cuts and under-investment in the workforce and services.
“No one wants to cause disruption for pupils and parents, but school staff have been left with no other option.
“The blame must be laid squarely at the door of Cosla and Scottish ministers. They have it within their gift to end the strike, but they are showing no sign of wanting to do so. That’s a terrible shame for everyone affected.”
Councillor Katie Hagmann, Cosla’s assets spokesperson mentioned: “Obviously this ballot result from Unison is very disappointing given the strength of the offer on the table. I would like to make the following points:
“Firstly, Scotland’s council leaders value their workforce.
“Secondly, we have listened to our trade unions, met all their asks and worked with Scottish Government to put an incredibly strong half a billion pound pay package on the table – which we hope the other trade union members will vote to accept.
“Finally, offering almost 10% or a £2,006 pay increase for our lowest paid workers, which the unions specifically asked for, and £1,929 or at least 5.5% for everyone else is as far as local government can go without impacting service and jobs.”
