Once again school pupils have become the pawns in a bitter dispute between workers and government.
It is well known Scottish Government coffers are low and budget cuts have already had to be made so any increased wage bill would cause a giant headache for those trying to balance the books.
But, equally, Unison workers are entitled to similar considerations as other public sector workers whose wages have risen more sharply.
And with some of those working in schools among the lowest paid, it is little surprise they believe they should be getting a fairer slice of the cake.
But while the battle rages on it is the innocent children and their parents who are being made to suffer. Scotland’s children have already had enough disruption to their education since the advent of Covid in 2020.
And they have barely got back to a proper full-time education before this latest round of industrial action. Last year, education was interrupted by teachers’ strikes – which also struck at the First Minister’s constituency in a targeted attack by the EIS.
And now more school workers are putting on the bite. It means parents will be left with a giant headache of juggling work and childcare for two solid weeks.
And, more importantly, children’s education will once again be interrupted. It is just not acceptable they should suffer through no fault of their own once again.
Cosla, the Scottish Government and Unison must get back round the negotiating table as a matter of urgency to sort this out before these kids are left at a severe disadvantage.
Glasgow for it!
It may have been the worst-kept secret in sport but it is now official – Glasgow is hosting the Commonwealth Games 2026. Despite some hiccups on the way, it’s bound to be a great success, just like Glasgow 2014.
The leaner Games, which requires no public funding from Glasgow City Council, will be a great advert for a city that prides itself on its hospitality.
Among the venues which will be used to host the 10 different sports is the Chris Hoy velodrome. The choice of venue is especially poignant after this week’s news that the six-time Olympic cycling champion has terminal cancer, aged just 48.
One thing for sure is Chris will be an inspiration to a new generation of Scots taking part in the Games in two year’s time and in many years to come.
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