Striking school workers will hold a massive rally in the First Ministers’s constituency tomorrow.
Cleaners, janitors, dinner staff and classroom assistants are among many Unison members who are currently on strike over pay in a targeted campaign in John Swinney’s Perth & Kinross constituency.
The workers are taking part in a two-week-long strike action in Swinney’s constituency in the hope that the action right at the heart of the Scottish Government will bring negotiators back to the table.
But Scottish Government finance chief, Shona Robison, has already made it clear there is no more money for the workers.
Last week she said: “A solution has to be found but that cannot be a solution based on more money this year because there simply is no more money available.”
And she said industrial action was in “no one’s interest”.
Unison hopes that the rally in North Inch Park, Perth tomorrow afternoon will persuade the government and COSLA to re-enter negotiations.
To date hundreds of education workers have taken part in the walkout, with many schools closed entirely.
UNISON says staff brought industrial action to the first minister’s doorstep because most council funding comes from the Scottish government he leads, so it has a key role in bringing an end to the dispute.
Council and school staff across Scotland want an increase in their wage offer from local government employer organisation Cosla.
UNISON Perth and Kinross branch secretary Stuart Hope said: “John Swinney’s refusal to even talk to strikers in his constituency, despite many attempts, has been bitterly disappointing.
“Mr Swinney has simply washed his hands of the matter but it’s the Scottish government that controls the purse strings and needs to play its role, alongside Cosla.
“Closing schools in Perth and Kinross is the last thing staff want to do but striking is the only option they have left to show the overwhelming strength of feeling.
“Council and school workers simply need a better pay offer, in line with other public services.
“The support of parents in Perth and Kinross has touched and encouraged many of those taking action, particularly at such a difficult time for everyone in the area.”