MORE than 120 classroom assistants have rallied outside Glasgow’s City Chambers as Unison continues its campaign for action on rising classroom violence.

Despite the Scottish government issuing an action plan on classroom behaviour in 2024, classroom assaults have continued to rise across the county, with Glasgow seeing an increase of 87 per cent in just two years to 4,960.

Teaching unions such as EIS and NASUWT, which both sent messages of solidarity to the rally on Thursday night, have also raised concerns at the trend, joining Unison in demanding greater funding and staffing as well as stronger safeguards for school staff.

Speaking after the rally, Unison Glasgow City education convener Sylvia Haughney told the Star: “Tonight our members have shown strength in numbers on the escalating issue of violence in schools and early years. Staff, pupils, and parents are suffering. 

“Unison’s message to the Council is clear — our members urgently need to see greater investment in staffing and training, ensuring existing mechanisms and policies can be properly applied in the workplace.”

Unison Scotland area organiser Ruth Gilbert said: “Tonight Unison Education members — some of the lowest paid workers in Glasgow City Council — have made their demands known. 

“This working-class, majority women workforce have had enough of working in unsafe environments and being unable to provide the supportive education that the young people of Glasgow deserve. 

“It’s time for support staff, teachers, parents, and pupils to unite and demand greater investment from the employer.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We do not tolerate violence of any kind towards our employees, and the appropriate sanctions will always be taken. 

“We will continue to work  collaboratively with our trade unions on this issue to introduce any new procedures which will help protect our staff and we are already involved in a range of initiatives across the trade unions.

“The safety of council employees is paramount, and our pupils must be aware that violence and aggression towards our school staff will not be tolerated.”

The Scottish government were contacted for comment.