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15 July 2003
Nursery Nurses even more determined as second phase of action
starts
Over 400 nursery nurses in '52 week' nursery units from East Ayrshire,
North Ayrshire and South and North Lanarkshire are striking Tuesday
15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 July, as UNISON's national campaign
for a fair wage for nursery nurses enters its second phase.
The first phase of this campaign was a rolling programme of industrial
action across Scotland and closed council-run nurseries and nursery
classes across Scotland in May and June building up to a national
demonstration last month. There is also an ongoing 'work to rule'
with a boycott of extra duties.
Then the action will be picked up by Inverclyde next week, Falkirk,
Stirling and Dundee the week after, then the following week by West
and East Dunbartonshire.
Stephen Smellie, South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, said
"If anyone believed that the nursery nurses' claim would disappear
as term time establishments closed for the summer, they were wrong.
We have a significant number of members employed in 52 week establishments
and they are willing to take part in the selective action. They
know they have a just claim and they are even more determined to
continue until this is recognised. And as for the rest of them,
they will be back."
Matt Smith, UNISON Scottish Secretary, said "The first wave of
action has demonstrated that the nursery nurses are dedicated, hardworking
and conscientious professionals. But they will pursue their re-grading
claim until they gain recognition for their professional status
and secure fair pay”.
"UNISON has been overwhelmed by the public support for nursery
nurses. It's a shame COSLA is failing to recognise this and moving
to end the dispute”.
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 May 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.
For Further Information Please Contact: Carol Ball (Chair-Nursery
Nurse Working Party) - 0141-552 7069(o) 07803 952263(m) Joe Di Paola
(Scottish Organiser - Local Govt) - 0845 355 0845(o) 07990 505 698(m)
Angela Lynes (Scottish NEC member) 0141-552 7069(o) 07979 522 606(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
See Nursery
Nurse Campaign pages for full details of future action
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