Nursery workers in Lanarkshire could be set to go on strike over controversial 'fire-and-rehire' proposals set out by the council.
North Lanarkshire Council has tabled proposals to make early years workers in higher-level jobs redundant to re-employ them at a lower wage rate, according to UNISON.
The union has said that the decision could result in full-time staff seeing a pay cut of up to £6,500. Around 91 per cent of workers consulted by the union have said they would back strike action.
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A May Day demonstration has also been planned by the union outside Motherwell Civic Centre where a 5,000-signature petition will be presented demanding the council drops the proposals.
UNISON general secretary, Christina McAnea said: “It’s unacceptable to slash pay in this way. UNISON is right behind the staff.
“North Lanarkshire Council must see sense and withdraw these plans so the workers can get back to doing the jobs they love - nurturing young children and preparing them for the school years ahead.”
UNISON North Lanarkshire branch secretary Marie Quigley added: “Early years workers made it overwhelmingly clear they are willing to strike unless these plans are dropped. It’s unacceptable to slash pay in this way.
“Demands on the workers are increasing because they’re seeing more children with extra educational needs, as a result of being unable to socialise during the pandemic.
“At a time when it’s even harder to make ends meet, these mostly women workers are being asked to do the same work for even considerably less. The council must withdraw the plans and end their anxiety.”
Union figures are set to meet representatives of the council to request the plans are withdrawn.
The council said any claims of "fire-and-rehire" are inaccurate with a number of potential options being explored including voluntary redundancy and redeployment to other vacancies.
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: "It was agreed to align resources to the previously agreed staffing model which was adopted in 2019 to support the delivery of 1140 hours. The NLC9 Early Learning Practitioner posts are not part of this agreed structure.
"All staff are highly valued and we will continue to work closely with staff and the trade unions at individual engagement sessions to bring forward plans to support all staff directly within this specific group and explore other potential opportunities within the service for them.'
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