Council Staff Strike in Perth and Kinross Schools Enters Second Week

Industrial action by local authority employees in Perth and Kinross has commenced its second week. Approximately half of the region’s primary educational institutions are fully shut down due to this specific dispute. The strike concerns council remuneration throughout Scotland and includes Unison members working in schools and early childhood settings, such as janitors and classroom assistants. Educators are not participating in the strike. John Swinney, the First Minister, whose electoral district is experiencing the effects of the industrial action, has communicated in writing to Unison, advocating for “meaningful dialogue with local government.” Mr Swinney stated: “Although the Scottish government has no formal role in these pay negotiations, we have taken extraordinary decisions within a challenging financial context to identify an additional £77.5m to support local government pay. This is at the absolute limit of affordability and there is no more available funding from the Scottish government.” Additionally, Mr Swinney expressed his view that it was unjust for the schooling of young individuals in Perth and Kinross to be interrupted “because one of their local MSPs is also the First Minister of Scotland.” Presently, there is no indication that either local authorities or the Scottish government will alter their stance regarding remuneration. While certain primary schools remain operational, their connected early learning and childcare facilities are shut. Unison has declined the proposed salary increase, which amounts to nearly £1,300 or 3.6% for employees, depending on which figure is greater. This offer was extended in August with the aim of preventing waste collection strikes in numerous local authority regions. The Scottish government allocated additional funds to councils for assistance. Both the GMB and Unite trade unions agreed to the offer, and local councils are currently proceeding to disburse the funds, along with retroactive pay, to their employees. It is anticipated that personnel in Perth and Kinross will receive these payments in their November salaries. Unison maintains that the proposal fails to adequately address its apprehensions regarding the sustained erosion of council workers’ pay value. However, the Scottish government has unequivocally stated that no further funds will be allocated for council remuneration during the current year. Unison is undertaking industrial action specifically in Perth and Kinross, having previously secured authorization for such measures in that area. The union aims to exert influence on First Minister John Swinney, who also serves as a local Member of the Scottish Parliament. Mr Swinney has characterized Unison’s focus on Perth and Kinross as “unacceptable” and has urged discussions. BBC Scotland News has also engaged with several council leaders, who indicated that the proposal could not be reconsidered without governmental assistance. The industrial action has created logistical difficulties for certain parents in Perth and Kinross, necessitating arrangements for childcare or absence from employment. A number of the affected schools are offering remote education, enabling pupils to complete assignments from home. Furthermore, the council has announced that compensation will be provided to households whose children have been deprived of free school meals due to the industrial dispute. Unison intends to conduct a nationwide vote among local authority employees to ascertain their willingness to participate in similar industrial action, though specific information has not yet been finalized. Such a ballot would probably extend over several weeks. Should the union obtain authorization for action in additional council regions, it would be required to issue a two-week strike notification. Over the next few weeks, local authorities are expected to be informed of the Scottish government’s financial allocations for the upcoming year and discover the potential extent to which they can increase council tax. Unison maintains its demand for a pay enhancement within the current fiscal year. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the focus might shift towards achieving a more substantial “restorative” salary increase effective from next April. Comprehensive information regarding school closures is accessible to parents on the official website of Perth and Kinross Council.