West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) has expressed disappointment that school learning assistants are to be balloted on strike action.
Last week UNISON said 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”.
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The local authority, however, has shared its dismay at the move, stating that it follows “extensive engagement with learning assistants and trade unions on the matter”.
A spokesperson for WDC said: "We value the vital work learning assistants undertake within our classrooms and are disappointed by the decision to move to ballot.
“Like other authorities, we use the Scottish Joint Council Job Evaluation Scheme which is agreed by UNISON, Unite and GMB and have an agreed local policy which includes evaluations undertaken jointly with union analysts.
“Trade unions, including UNISON, were heavily involved in this evaluation including discussion around role and responsibilities, staffing, pupil support demands and safe working practices, and in addition, employees were offered the opportunity to provide feedback on a one-to-one basis.
“We remain open to dialogue with our union colleagues.”
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”.
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 last 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”.
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.”
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