School support staff share views on recent strike action

We previously reported how Unison has warned that further industrial action for school staff is being planned over an ongoing dispute over pay.

Catering, cleaning, pupil support, administration and janitorial employees were among those protesting outside a number of Renfrewshire schools during this week's strike action.

A support staff worker at St Paul's Primary, in Paisley, said they expected Unison members to back further industrial action unless a better pay offer is made by Cosla, which represents Scotland's councils.

Glencoats Primary School, in Paisley (Image: Supplied)

East Fulton Primary, in Linwood (Image: Supplied)

They told The Gazette: "There have been reports that we have turned down an offer that would see the lowest paid getting a £2,600 increase, but that number can only be based on someone who works 40 hours a week on a 52-hour-a-week contract.

"The vast majority of support staff who work in schools are part-time workers and they are not going to see a £2,600 increase in their pay.

"We're not giving up, because everyone who works in a school is worth more than what's being offered.

"My main concern is that if we don't get a better offer, this dispute will go on, and the children are going to be the most affected, which nobody wants."

West Primary, in Paisley (Image: Supplied)

Cochrane Castle Primary and St David's Primary, in Johnstone (Image: Supplied)

Today, Unison reported a surge in membership numbers as thousands of local government workers joined in the past week.

Johanna Baxter, Unison Scotland's head of local government, said: "The strength of feeling amongst Unison school staff has been clear for all to see on picket lines across Scotland.

"There's also been a surge in membership, which is testament to the strength of local government workers' resolve to continue their fight for fair pay.

"The union will consult its council workers on the latest offer. But Cosla must come clean about how the offer will affect revised pay scales and clarify precisely where the money will come from."

Our Lady of Peace Primary, in Linwood (Image: Supplied)

Linwood High (Image: Supplied)

A Cosla spokesperson said: "Cosla has made every effort to avert these strikes – we have listened to our trade unions, met their asks and worked with Scottish Government to put an incredibly strong half a billion pound pay package on the table.

"Strikes are in nobody's interests and benefit no-one, least of all children and young people and their families.

"Two out of the three trade unions suspended their action and have agreed to put the offer to their members – I would ask Unison to reconsider pressing ahead with this damaging action and allow their members to consider this offer."