School Support Staff in Scotland Gear Up for Strike Next Month
Unison, the union that backs millions of public sector workers, has called for a walk‑out of school support staff in Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh, Fife, and South Lanarkshire—all slated for 8 November.
What’s the Backstory?
Simply put, the pay offer from Cosla (the body that reviews salaries for Scottish government workers) fell short. Unison’s 91,000 members voted loudly to reject the proposal. Now the union is demanding a fair wage rise while the government has yet to engage in meaningful talks.
Union Voices – Straight From the Frontlines
Johanna Baxter, head of local government at Unison Scotland said:
- The union has been pleading for Cosla and the Scottish Government to sit at the table.
- So far, no invitation has come, not even for an exploratory chat.
- Unison remains “committed” to finding a resolution quickly.
- There’s still time for the government to reopen negotiations and avoid further disruption to parents and pupils.
Mark Ferguson, chair of the local government committee, also added:
- “This current pay offer is a real‑terms cut that adds stress to an already burdensome workforce.
- Workers are battling the cost‑of‑living crisis; the government must step up.
- He’s calling for a substantial raise, proper funding for it, and a baseline of £15 per hour for all local government staff.
Both leaders emphasize that Unison is “determined to fight” while the government still has the “time” to negotiate.
What’s at Stake for Parents & Students?
If the strike proceeds as planned, teachers and families could feel the ripple effect. Unison hopes to secure a “mutually acceptable settlement” before the 8 November deadline to keep the education system running smoothly.
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