They’re reading from the same script.
24.09.2023 - 09:27 / dailyrecord.co.uk
A senior trade unionist has pleaded with Unison to suspend a planned strike this week which will see schools close.
GMB organiser Chris Mitchell said Unison’s “strange” decision to push ahead would see low paid workers losing money to help middle income earners.
Schools across Scotland will close for three days after Unison rejected an improved pay offer from council chiefs at COSLA.
The standoff has divided the labour movement as two other trade unions suspended their strike action and agreed to ballot their members.
Unison represent staff in the middle tiers as well as lower paid workers. A branch of Unite last week blasted Unison by claiming their actions are “bizarre”.
Now Mitchell, GMB Glasgow convener, said in a video: “For some strange reason, Unison are wanting to continue it. What it looks to me is you’re asking low paid workers to come out on strike against their colleagues in GMB and Unite, putting people at a predicament, not crossing picket lines.
“And to be honest, low paid workers are being asked to subsidise the middle earners to get them more money.”
He added: “I hope that we can come together again, because we need to be a united front here. We can't have a divide and conquer within the trade union movement. Look at what we have achieved and done over the last two years. We have stood together and we have fought together.
“I would encourage Unison to rethink this and let's get back round the table, let's put that offer to the membership and let them decide.”
Mitchell said of the COSLA offer: “It is an improved offer. It's an offer that we believe through our committees that we need to take back to our membership.
Unison's Johanna Baxter said last week the deal “short-changed the majority” and threatened job cuts.
They’re reading from the same script.
In a move not attempted by actors at San Diego Comic-Con, Trainspotting and Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor took the stage at the Javits Centers today at New York Comic-Con to discuss himself, not struck work during what is the 92ned day of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
A Dumfries school has been handed the lowest possible performance score after a recent inspection.
Ambulance crews in Dumfries and Galloway could strike over a lack of breaks.
A Glasgow school was evacuated today after emergency services raced to the scene over an 'unidentified smell'.
Scotland continues to deal with the effects of the weekend's rainstorms, after more heavy rainfall this afternoon caused further chaos - as a man was photographed canoeing down the street in Glasgow.
Prince George will be "given all the help he needs" as he faces upcoming exams for entrance into the top schools, including the prestigious Eton College. The young heir to the throne, 10, returned to Lambrook School in September alongside his siblings Princess Charlotte, eight and Prince Louis, five following a summer spent at Balmoral in Scotland with their grandfather King Charles.The children first joined the independent preparatory school in Berkshire last September after the Wales family moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Scotland's travel network has been left in a state of chaos as the country battles 'danger to life' rainfall.
Plans for a new primary school in Livingston are in limbo due to a row over funding.
A senior Labour MSP has accused Keir Starmer of failing to provide “climate leadership” over the Rosebank oil field.
Union bosses slammed the Scottish Government for “failing pupils and parents” as three days of strike action drew to a close.
Labour plans to charge VAT on private school fees but won't scrap their charitable status if it wins the general election.
A gutted family has told how they missed the ENTIRE Ayr Show due to parking chaos – after a three and a half hour drive from Stonehaven.
Current Football Focus host Alex Scott and the show's former presenter, Dan Walker, have been involved in a public dispute regarding the future of the programme. It comes after recent figures revealed that Football Focus' ratings have significantly dropped as of late, which propelled Dan to speak out in support of the BBC show. Expressing his worry via social media, the 46 year old penned a heartfelt message to his grid with the caption: "Focus on football." "It's hard to see Football Focus struggling.
A senior SNP MP could be ousted from his seat by his local MSP's husband, according to reports.
Scots chart-topper Tom Walker has made a poignant return to the music scene as he delighted shoppers in Glasgow with a free performance on Friday. The singer was promoting new single 'Burn' after taking a hiatus from singing due to ongoing pressures.
Classrooms across Scotland will be closed by strikes next week as school support staff prepare to walk out in a row over pay.
Three teenage girls have been rushed to hospital following an alleged ‘drugs-related incident’ near a school in West Lothian.
It is D-day in efforts to avoid strike action in Stirling’s schools as a union dispute threatens to close the doors next week.
Crocked Rangers striker Danilo revealed he hopes to be back playing “in a few weeks” as he continues to update fans following his weekend injury.