Education / School strikes still on as union rejects new pay offer
SCHOOL strikes are set to go ahead across Scotland – including Shetland – after the union Unison rejected a revised pay offer.
It means that schools in 24 council areas, including Shetland, still stand to be affected by industrial action over three consecutive days from 26 to 28 September.
It is not yet clear how many schools will have to close, but Unison Shetland previously said that 26 of the 28 local schools will be affected by the strikes.
A spokesperson for Shetland Islands Council said: “We will assess the impact this industrial action will have on our schools and inform parents and carers as soon as we have details.”
The industrial action involves school staff, such as those working in catering, cleaning, support and administration.
Local authority body COSLA said the new offer would have given council staff in Scotland at least a £1,929 increase in annual salary by 1 January 2024.
Unison has written to COSLA today to say that “the revision is miniscule and as a result the unanimous decision of our committee is that we reject this offer outright and proceed with strike action on the dates already notified”.
The union says that unless a significantly improved offer is received by 5pm on Wednesday (20 September), schools strikes will go ahead.
COSLA’s resources spokesperson councillor Katie Hagmann said this week that the “reality of the situation is that as employers, council leaders have now made a strong offer even stronger”.
She added: “This is an extremely strong offer which not only compares well to other sectors, but recognises the cost-of-living pressures on our workforce and which would mean the lowest paid would see a 21 per cent increase in their pay over a two-year period.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
