UNISON home
UNISONScotland www
This is our archive website that is no longer being updated.
For the new website please go to
www.unison-scotland.org
Join UNISON
Join UNISON
Click here
Home News About us Join Us Contacts Help Resources Learning Links UNISON UK

 

 

 

Sponsorship Comms Index Communications Forum Campaigns News Scotland inUNISON Press Releases

 

Communications Index | Press releases | Scotland inUNISON | Campaigns

 

15 July 2003

Nursery Nurses even more determined as second phase of action starts

Over 400 nursery nurses in '52 week' nursery units from East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South and North Lanarkshire are striking Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 July, as UNISON's national campaign for a fair wage for nursery nurses enters its second phase.

The first phase of this campaign was a rolling programme of industrial action across Scotland and closed council-run nurseries and nursery classes across Scotland in May and June building up to a national demonstration last month. There is also an ongoing 'work to rule' with a boycott of extra duties.

Then the action will be picked up by Inverclyde next week, Falkirk, Stirling and Dundee the week after, then the following week by West and East Dunbartonshire.

Stephen Smellie, South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, said "If anyone believed that the nursery nurses' claim would disappear as term time establishments closed for the summer, they were wrong. We have a significant number of members employed in 52 week establishments and they are willing to take part in the selective action. They know they have a just claim and they are even more determined to continue until this is recognised. And as for the rest of them, they will be back."

Matt Smith, UNISON Scottish Secretary, said "The first wave of action has demonstrated that the nursery nurses are dedicated, hardworking and conscientious professionals. But they will pursue their re-grading claim until they gain recognition for their professional status and secure fair pay”.

"UNISON has been overwhelmed by the public support for nursery nurses. It's a shame COSLA is failing to recognise this and moving to end the dispute”.

Nursery Nurses in ordinary nursery schools and classes are only on £13,800 at the top of their grade.

They have been taking action since May for a deal to recognise their two-year training and the host of additional duties they have taken on. Their last review was 15 years ago.

For Further Information Please Contact: Carol Ball (Chair-Nursery Nurse Working Party) - 0141-552 7069(o) 07803 952263(m) Joe Di Paola (Scottish Organiser - Local Govt) - 0845 355 0845(o) 07990 505 698(m) Angela Lynes (Scottish NEC member) 0141-552 7069(o) 07979 522 606(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

See Nursery Nurse Campaign pages for full details of future action

Index