Early years workers in North Lanarkshire are set to go on strike after they 'overwhelmingly' voted for industrial action.
The move comes after the local authority announced ‘fire and rehire’ plans, which UNISON claims could leave employees thousands of pounds worse off.
The council has proposed to make early years workers redundant or asking them to work for less, with UNISON claiming that some could face a £6,500 wage cut.
The proposals could impact 375 workers.
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Union members were balloted from June 5 to June 26, with 77 per cent of the membership voting and 97 per cent of those calling for strike action.
Early years workers are now preparing for industrial action which will result in nursery closures.
Marie Quiqley, UNISON North Lanarkshire branch secretary, said: “These fire and rehire plans are outrageous proposals. I had hoped the council would have seen sense by now.
"They are jeopardising children’s entire education if they don’t ensure young people are properly supported from the very start.
"Strike action is not something these workers wanted. But early years practitioners have made it very clear they will take action unless these plans are scrapped.
“At a time when it’s harder than ever to make ends meet, these mostly women workers are being asked to do the same work for considerably less.
"The council needs to put an immediate end to these plans and start prioritising children, and the workforce our young people rely upon.
"The whole community has been rallying in support of these workers, it’s high time the council realised their value too.”
UNISON regional organiser, Audrey Malloy said: “These are the workers who nurture young children and prepare them for school, identifying their needs and ensuring they are met.
"Demands on early years practitioners are increasing because they’re seeing more children with increased educational needs, as a result of being unable to socialise during the pandemic. The council now needs to think again.”
North Lanarkshire Council has been approached for comment.
