Perth and Kinross schools strike rally draws hundreds on October 29

On October 29, 2024, a significant rally took place in North Inch Park, Perth, Scotland, where hundreds of supporters gathered to back the ongoing strike by school staff in the region. This industrial action started on October 21 and has led to the closure of more than half of the primary schools in Perth and Kinross, severely impacting educational services. The strike, organized by Unison, involves non-teaching staff members, including janitors and classroom assistants, who seek improved pay from the council. Participants highlighted their critical role in the educational process, advocating that their work goes beyond mere support functions. Striking staff members expressed frustration over being referred to as "non-teaching staff," arguing that their contributions are essential to the growth and development of young children. These sentiments were echoed by union representatives who demand to negotiate for better pay terms with local government and Cosla. Despite the backing of some unions for new pay proposals, Unison has rejected a recent offer which included an increase of nearly £1,300 or 3.6%. The Scottish government has stressed that there is no additional funding for improving pay offers, complicating negotiations further. The focus of the rally was not only to draw attention to the immediate pay disputes but also to emphasize the importance of valuing the work of educational support staff, urging for meaningful discussions to resolve the ongoing strike.