Classroom Assistants campaign wins STUC award

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Campaigning for equality and fair pay for low paid classroom assistants has paid off in Dumfries - in more ways than one!

Following increases in gradings, and a successful campaign against job cuts, new steward, Elaine North (herself a Support for Learning Assistant), and Branch Secretary Marion Stewart have been awarded the 'One Workplace Equality Award 2008 by the STUC's One Workplace Equal Rights Project to recognise and acknowledge good practice of trade union members in promoting equality and tackling discrimination.

As reported in SiU no 70, the campaigning which involved press adverts, public stalls and a 6,000 signature petition, led to the council withdrawing the proposals to cut 60-70 CA posts. This followed successful work by the branch to ensure that classroom assistants' posts in the council were properly evaluated and appropriate increased gradings awarded.

Elaine said, "In standing up for ourselves, we have won better grades, defended our jobs and raised the profile of Classroom Assistants, both locally and now across Scotland."

Marion Stewart said, "While the award was never something that crossed our minds during the campaign, it is good to know that the trade union movement is still standing up for low paid workers.

"This campaign was part of the Branch's collective work in delivering a properly equality-proofed Single Status agreement, and we are proud of that work. We would only have won what we have, with UNISON's support."

Zaffir Hakim the STUC's One Workplace Development Manager said, "It is entirely appropriate that the award this year goes to a group of low-paid women workers who stood up for equality, with the support of their union. They deserve all our congratulations in showing that to stand up for fair treatment can deliver results."

The award is to be made at the STUC Congress as this issue comes out, and - in addition to the presentation by First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP - a short video with congratulations from Phil Jones, Chief Executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council, is set to be shown to the delegates.

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