Pay commitments could see end to dispute which saw PKC schools disruption

Pay commitments could see an end to the dispute that caused disruption in Perth and Kinross schools, as reported by the Daily Record. The two-week strike by non-teaching staff led to school closures, with many students affected in the region. However, there is hope on the horizon as UNISON has announced that commitments from the Scottish Government and COSLA could potentially resolve the pay dispute.

The commitments received include discussions on local government finance, a new pay protocol, a minimum hourly rate of £15, and a reduction in the working week. UNISON’s local government committee will now be consulting council staff members to recommend concluding this year’s pay negotiations and moving forward with substantial talks for the following year.

During the strike, workers targeted the First Minister’s constituency, staging protests outside his office in Blairgowrie. First Minister John Swinney expressed his displeasure at the industrial action, deeming it unacceptable. However, he is pleased with UNISON’s recommendation to end the pay dispute and hopes for no further disruptions in education in Perth and Kinross.

UNISON Scotland’s local government committee chairperson, Colette Hunter, highlighted the efforts of members in securing commitments for future pay negotiations. The union is urging its members to agree to conclude this year’s pay negotiations and continue advocating for decent pay in the coming years.

In a letter last month, Swinney had urged UNISON to accept the current pay offer, citing the Scottish Government’s additional funding to support local government pay. With the recent commitments from the government and COSLA, there is a potential for a resolution to the current pay dispute.

The ongoing discussions and recommendations from UNISON signal a positive step towards addressing pay issues in the local government sector, providing hope for a fair and sustainable resolution for all parties involved.

**Insights:**
The article sheds light on the impact of the pay dispute on education workers in Perth and Kinross and the efforts being made to reach a resolution. It underscores the significance of fair pay negotiations and the challenges faced by non-teaching staff in the public sector. The commitments from the Scottish Government and COSLA reflect a collaborative approach to addressing pay issues and fostering constructive dialogue for future negotiations. The involvement of unions like UNISON in advocating for fair pay highlights the importance of collective action in ensuring equitable working conditions for all employees.