School staff across Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross are set to go on strike next month.
Unite union members in Dundee and Angus schools and nurseries – which includes administrative workers, cleaners, caterers, and classroom assistants – are scheduled to to take strike action on September 7, 8 and 9.
Also going on strike are Unite members employed by Tayside Contracts, who provide catering and janitorial services to schools across Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross councils.
They are scheduled to walk out on the same dates.
Schools and nurseries will close as a result of the action, according to the union, but this is yet to be confirmed by the local authorities.
Why are school staff going on strike?
Staff are unhappy about a pay offer put forward by COSLA – the body representing local authorities.
They have been offered a 5% wage rise, but unions have said there is not enough detail about how it will affect the lowest paid workers.
They are seeking further clarity about the proposed pay offer.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members across local government are taking strike action because the politicians have failed them miserably.
“For five months COSLA and the Scottish Government have dithered and bickered with each other while our members have increasingly faced a cost of living crisis.
“We will fully support them in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
“A disgrace that schools now face closure”
Unite industrial officer Wendy Dunsmore added: “Unite will now deepen and spread our strike action across two thirds of the country.
“This is a direct response to the abject failure by both COSLA and the Scottish Government to fund a fair pay offer particularly for the lowest paid. It’s a disgrace that schools and early years services now face closure causing further disruption to families.
“The politicians need to get a grip of this situation which they have let happen due to their politicking and stalling. It’s time for the politicians to realise the gravity of this dispute and take responsibility before this situation dramatically escalates.”
Will Tayside schools shut?
A Perth & Kinross Council and Angus Council spokesperson said: “We are working with Tayside Contracts to establish the potential impact of any strike action by Tayside Contracts staff.
“As soon as this is established, we will identify what contingency plans can be put in place to minimise any disruption to normal, day-to-day school operations.”
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “”We are working with Tayside Contracts to establish the potential impact of any strike action by Tayside Contracts staff and continue to focus on minimising the disruption to services during this period.
“Parents and pupils will be made aware of any future developments and the details of how this will affect their schools and nurseries at the earliest opportunity.”
Why could Tayside schools close due to strike action and how will yours be affected?
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