Latest editorial
Striking school support workers take part in a demonstration outside First Minister John Swinney's constituency office in Blairgowrie, as Unison holds a two-week strike targeting the region he represents, which has closed many schools, October 24, 2024
STRIKE action in SNP First Minister John Swinney’s constituency has paid off after workers won a “credible” new pay offer, according to Unison today.
Schools in Mr Swinney’s Perthshire North constituency were closed for a fortnight last month as low-paid non-teaching staff took targeted action to win an increase on a pay offer worth 3.6 per cent.
Despite the first minister’s protestations that there would be no more cash, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) tabled a new offer to deliver a minimum wage of £15 an hour, and a 5.6 per cent raise for the lowest paid.
The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW
Years of underfunding are eroding Scotland’s local services and deepening inequality in communities, says VINCE MILLS
Roger McKenzie talks to general secretary of Unison CHRISTINA McANEA about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on members, the local government funding emergency and the threat of Reform UK
