Date: Monday 18 November 2013

Glasgow’s pupil support staff set for further strike action over imposed healthcare duties

NB Picture and interview opportunities available on morning of Tuesday 19 Nov 2013.

School support staff will be lobbying Glasgow City Council tomorrow (Tuesday) in the latest round of strike action over the imposition of healthcare duties to their roles.

The move – being taken by pupil support assistants, instructors and care workers in the North West of the city – is in response to the council’s decision to force all pupil support assistants to undertake specialist healthcare tasks, including the administration of medicine, in addition to their core duties.

More than 200 UNISON members will lobby Glasgow City Council, calling for an end to the imposition of these duties and to settle the dispute.

Carol Ball, Education Convener for Glasgow City UNISON, said: "Strike action is seen as a last resort for our members, but we are determined to do what it takes to get the council to sit up and listen.

“Our priority is our pupils and to be asked to administer medicine to children with little or no training is absolute nonsense. Parents, teachers and head teachers know that schools would crumble without the hard work and dedication of school support staff and to force them into this difficult position is both unfair and unnecessary.

“The council needs to get back around the table and put the needs of the children first.”

ENDS

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Media organisations are invited to send a reporter, photographer and/or crew to the lobby which will take place from noon tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19, at Education Services, City Chambers East Building, 40 John Street, Glasgow.

Picket lines will be held from 8.30am at:
- Scotstoun Primary School, 21 Duncan Avenue, Glasgow, G14 9HN
- Bankhead Primary School, 66 Caldwell Avenue, Glasgow, G13 3AS
- Dunard Primary School, 65 Dunard Street, Glasgow, G20 6RL
- Broomhill Primary School, 57 Edgehill Road, Glasgow, G11 7HZ

Notes for editors:

1. PSAs are currently paid an annual salary of £11,800 and Glasgow City Council has not offered any pay increase, or formal training, for the additional duties.

2. Further information on action being taken by school support staff in Glasgow please see previouss news releases:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2013/sepoct/1030a.htm
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2013/novdec/1105.htm
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2013/novdec/1113.htm

For further information contact
Carol Ball, Glasgow City UNISON education convener, 0141 552 7069/ 07803 952 263
Mandy McDowall, UNISON’s Regional Organiser, on 07903 846 427

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