Early years workers in North Lanarkshire ballot for strike action
It comes after a protest outside Motherwell Civic Centre yesterday
Nursery staff in North Lanarkshire are backing a formal strike ballot after being asked by the local authority to retrain or downgrade.
Early years workers protested outside of Motherwell Civic Centre yesterday.
READ MORE: Early years workers in North Lanarkshire asked to re-train or take pay cut
It comes after hundreds of early years workers at North Lanarkshire Council claimed they are facing pay cuts of up to 30% unless they re-train or apply for a leadership role.
Bosses told staff members who are a grade NLC9 they would be moved down to NLC7 as part of the council's plan to plug a £3 million funding gap.
91% back strike action
The decision to move to a ballot follows a consultation of staff, with 91%, saying they back strike action.
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.”
'End their anxiety'
UNISON North Lanarkshire branch secretary Marie Quigley said: “Early years workers made it overwhelmingly clear they are willing to strike unless these plans are dropped.
“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.”
'Staff are highly valued'
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.”