Strike action is set to disrupt schools and nurseries across Perth and Kinross as members of Unison, Scotland's largest council union, prepare to walk out for two weeks starting October 21. The union’s move was prompted by unresolved tensions over pay between local government employees and their employers, represented by Cosla. With over 50 educational facilities potentially affected, this industrial action could see schools closed for up to four weeks, especially since it falls right after the October school holidays.
Unison's branch secretary, Stuart Hope, expressed concerns about the long-standing grievances of council staff, who have seen significant reductions to their pay over the past decade. He emphasized the union's intent to make First Minister John Swinney acutely aware of their struggles, as this strike action is directly targeting his constituency. Hope stated, “Taking action like this is the last thing school and early years staff want to do,” underlining the difficult position workers find themselves in after years of financial strain.
The crux of the current dispute stems from Unison’s rejection of the wage increase proposed by Cosla, which would see staff receive either 67p per hour or 3.6%—whichever is greater. Hope made it clear this offer does not match the expectations of council workers, particularly when compared to the 5.5% pay raise awarded to NHS staff. This disparity signals wider issues within the public sector’s pay structure and overall funding.
With the Scottish government reporting limited financial resources, council leaders have moved forward with the imposed pay deal, stating they aim to maintain fiscal responsibility across the board. Both the Scottish government and Cosla officials reiterated their frustration over the strikes, arguing they were unnecessary since both Unite and GMB—two other trade unions—have accepted the offer. The Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, acknowledged the adverse effects of industrial action but highlighted the inability to offer upper-tier pay increases at this time.
“No one's interests will be served by industrial action which will disrupt children attending schools and nurseries,” Robison said, urging Unison to reconsider their stance. The pay deal was highlighted as favorable when viewed against packages offered to local government employees across the UK.
Despite these official comments, the anger among Unison members reflects the growing dissatisfaction with pay negotiations, as thousands actively participated in the vote to reject the national offer from Cosla. Nearly 86% of involved Unison members voted against it, signaling the urgency staff feel to advocate for more substantial changes. Stuart Hope pointed out the key underlying issues at play: “Employees are taking this first stand on behalf of all local government workers because they've seen years of pay cuts.”
This strike isn't just about wages; it's about valuing the substantial contributions of local council workers who keep services running smoothly. The frustration has reached levels where Unison feels it's necessary to initiate more expansive ballot measures, potentially mobilizing support from council workers all over Scotland. Hope’s comments drew attention to the broader concerns of funding cuts affecting the quality of local services. He stated, “The Scottish Government needs to understand council staff need more than platitudes. Ministers must tackle the severe decline in local government funding and start to value councils and their dedicated workforce as they do other areas of public services.”
Unison’s action, framed as the first step of resistance against inadequate compensation for council employees, reflects rising tensions within local governments as they face pressures from inflation and stagnant funding. The significant turnout of members voting against the pay offer indicates strong backing for the union's planned strike and demands for fair wages. With the September deadline for prior negotiations and discussion seemingly brushed aside, the October strike has mobilized educators, support staff, and families to stand against what they see as inadequate recognition for their work.
Meanwhile, Cosla officials are left reiterate the limits of their budget. “The pay offer is at the absolute limit of affordability, and there is no more funding available to increase the value of the offer,” stated Katie Hagmann, spokesperson for Cosla. The impending strikes have left the council grappling with the effects of the industrial action, which they describe as avoidable if cooperation between unions and council leaders reached resolution. With the looming prospect of schools and nurseries shutting down, local authorities work diligently to assess the full ramifications of the strike action.
The situation continues to evolve as all parties attempt to navigate this complex dispute. Teachers, support staff, and parents alike await the impact these strikes will have on education within the Perth and Kinross region. Telephone interviews and community dialogues are becoming common as families rally around educators experiencing frustration over their work's recognition and compensation. Observers note the significance of this unrest as public sector pay inequities and funding disparities come to light, indicating localized unrest may ripple across wider public service sectors.
Engagement through community events and pickets aims to bolster negotiations, inviting local leaders and the public to stand with hard-working council staff. Hope invited the First Minister to engage directly with those affected, calling on him to visit the picket lines. The Perth and Kinross schools strike is not only about pay; it’s about acknowledging value, hard work, and the community's investment in its local services.
The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but the demand for enhanced pay and resources clearly resonates throughout Perth and Kinross. Education and council services depend on the workforce's morale and stability, which are currently shaken by inadequate compensation. With the stakes high, educators and support staff inch closer to taking their significant stand for fairness.
