All Fife schools close as support workers walk out following failed last-ditch talks

Schools in Fife are to close today (Tuesday, September 26) as staff go on strike in a bid for fair pay.

School support staff across 24 local authorities are walking out today after last-ditch talks fell through over the weekend.

Unison was the only major union not to suspend three days of action among it's non-teaching school staff after a new deal was put on the table. 

Unite and GMB both cancelled their strikes to put the offer to members, while Unison opted to ballot staff while continuing action. 

It's understood there was correspondence between the two parties over the weekend, but no new offer was made. 

As a result, mass school closures across Scotland will take place, with some students going back to learning from home. 

All schools in Fife will close on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They'll reopen as normal on Friday.

The services affected are: 

• High schools
• Primary schools
• Special schools
• Nurseries
• Early learning and family nurture centres
• Additional support needs units
• Childcare services
• Pupil support service

Shelagh McLean, head of education and children’s services at Fife Council said: “This strike is part of wider action relating to a national dispute over pay for all council workers other than teachers, who are covered by a different pay deal.

“We appreciate how difficult it is for parents, carers and pupils when we have to close our schools, and I can only ask for their patience and understanding.

“We can’t know in advance how many of our pupil support assistants, early years officers, admin and clerical staff, janitors, catering and cleaning staff will join the planned strike action. However, we do know that most union members voted in favour of action, so we expect a high level of participation.

“We can’t open our buildings to children and young people, or provide support across all classes and nurseries, without these staff. So, even though some may come to work, we’re unlikely to be able to run any educational facility safely.

“Therefore, we’ve made the difficult decision to close all Fife schools over the three days. I know this may be challenging or inconvenient for many families.

“Pupil welfare remains our top priority and we’re particularly conscious of the ongoing cost of living crisis. We will make a payment to parents for children and young people registered for free school meals.

“Remote learning with teachers will be in place. Our children and young people also have access to a wide range of online learning resources and educational games.

“Of course, we’ll update parents immediately if the dispute is resolved and plans change.”