Date: 21 July 2003

Scottish nursery nurse strikes continue - now it's Inverclyde

Nursery Nurses in Inverclyde will take part in a further three days of strike action this week as their campaign for a fairer pay deal intensifies. All establishments in Inverclyde will close on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 July 2003 as nursery nurses continue their action for better pay and grading structures for their profession.

The action forms part of a six week programme involving UNISON branches throughout Scotland and builds the momentum of the Scotland-wide strikes and ‘work to rule' since May 2003. Inverclyde will be followed by Falkirk and Stirling on 29, 30, 31 July, Dundee on 30, 31 July & 1 August, and West and East Dunbartonshire on 5, 6, 7 August.

Robin Taggart, Inverclyde UNISON's Service Conditions Officer said: "Nursery Nurses are absolutely determined to win this dispute and the three days of strike action builds on the very successful action taken in May and June. COSLA appear to have wanted a reprieve of over the summer, but with no offer to settle the dispute, that was not on our agenda.

"What is remarkable is the extent of support for Nursery Nurses across whole communities, including parents who have had to deal with the disruption the strikes have caused. In not resolving this dispute, elected members in COSLA are becoming increasingly isolated and many people are beginning to question their commitment to Early Years services."

Inverclyde nursery nurse Janie Sharpe said: "It takes a nursery nurse like me 10 years to achieve £13,800. That is no way to treat this profession, especially considering the so-called government commitment to early years care and education”.

Bill McAllister, UNISON Regional Officer, said: "UNISON has been overwhelmed by the public support for nursery nurses. It's a shame COSLA is failing to recognise this and failing to move to end the dispute. This is the second six weeks of very solid action. The nursery nurses are absolutely determined to win their claim.”

Nursery Nurses in ordinary nursery schools and classes are only on £13,800 at the top of their grade. They have been taking action since May2003 for a deal to recognise their two-year training and the host of additional duties they have taken on. Their last review was 15 years ago.

ENDS

Note for Editors: Photo Opportunity Greenock 22 July: Nursery Nurses will be handing out leaflets and balloons to members of the public on Tuesday 22 July from 12pm outside Greenock Oak Mall Shopping centre (Nicolson Street end).

Further Information
Robin Taggart, Inverclyde UNISON's Service Conditions Officer 01475 791754 (o) Arthur Donnachie, Inverclyde UNISON Branch Secretary 0796 704 3634 (m)
Bill McAllister (UNISON Regional Officer) - 0845 355 0845 (o) John Stevenson (Chair UNISON Scotland Communications Cttee) 07876 795 018

See Nursery Nurse Campaign pages for full details of future action

Index