SCHOOLS in Scotland are facing weeks of closures and disruption after a third union rejected a new pay offer.
Unite has joined Unison and the GMB in turning down the pay proposal from council umbrella body Cosla.
On Thursday, Cosla warned that there was no more money available to pay for a rise without cuts to jobs and services, as all three unions warned time is running out to avert strikes.
It comes as parents groups warned closures would have a “detrimental” effect on their children.
The latest pay offer from Cosla is part of a two-part plan that would see school staff given a £1929 increase in annual salary by January 2024.
The rejection of the latest offer means three out of four schools could be closed by strikes during a three-day planned walkout on September 26, 27 and 28.
On Friday, Sharon Graham (below), Unite general secretary, said: "It has taken Cosla five months to increase their offer by a measly 38 pence a week for the lowest paid council workers.
"Unite's local government representatives rightly rejected this offer.
“The fight for better jobs, pay and conditions in local government goes on, and if needs be by strike action. Unite will back its members all the way."
Unison has previously said Cosla has until September 20 to "significantly improve" the offer and prevent strike action by staff.
In a letter to Cosla, Unison said the revised offer represents an increase on the previous offer of only 0.17%.
For those on the lowest pay, the revised offer represents an increase of only £0.01 per hour, they said.
Those working full-time and earning £25,000 or above are being offered no increase on the previous offer, which has already been rejected.
Meanwhile, GMB Scotland dismissed the latest offer as "far too little, far too late" to avert a walkout.
Twenty-four local authorities are affected including Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, and South Lanarkshire.
Leanne McGuire, speaking on BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland, said she was concerned that disruption would become the “new normal” in schools when it shouldn’t be.
It will be the fourth year of disruption for pupils following Covid-19 lockdowns and teacher strikes.
"When these talks come down to the wire, that's where families get really frustrated because we don't know what plans to put in place,” she said.
"That's where people start getting really frustrated about it."
And, Robert Woolley, of the Highland Parent Council Partnerships, said he was worried about the impact on pupils.
"I think it's detrimental to the social aspect of life being stuck behind a screen. It's not normal. You worry about the future of your children," he said.
