West Dunbartonshire school staff to be balloted on strike action

UNISON has said that those who support pupils with profound needs will take part in the ballot in a dispute over job grading.

According to the union there has been growing frustration with “workers feeling increasingly undervalued”.

UNISON claim the staff, who provide personal care to children with disabilities, behavioural challenges and complex medical needs, “feel their expertise is not reflected in their pay”.

Gillian Bannatyne, the union’s regional organiser, said: “Staff have been trying to get their voices heard for 18 months.

“Talks last month made no progress, so the mostly women workforce were consulted about next steps.

“Now they've decided to move to a strike vote.”

The union consulted the learning assistants, who are currently paid at grade 3, about whether they want to progress to a strike vote. 

That survey closed today (Thursday, January 8) and an overwhelming majority said they want to move to a formal industrial action ballot. 

The union said it is now doing all it can to find “a fair solution” and that it will continue talking to West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

Audie McKie, UNISON West Dunbartonshire branch secretary, added: “Learning assistants in West Dunbartonshire take on responsibilities far beyond their job descriptions.  

“They de-escalate violent incidents, provide intimate personal care and support children with profound needs. Yet they're only paid for basic classroom support.

“Staff don't want to disrupt pupils, but they've had enough of being undervalued.”

WDC has been contacted for comment.