Local Labour politicians have called on Dumfries and Galloway Council to give early notice of school closures and support for council staff to work from home if they can’t secure childcare on strike days, following the announcement today (Wednesday 25 October) by Trade Union UNISON of industrial action on 8 November.

They are also urging the Scottish Government and Council Leaders to get round the table with Unions to agree a deal to avoid strikes.

The Labour Group on the Council secured a report to the last meeting of the full council on the “shambolic” handling of school closures during the last round of strikes-and want to see changes made this time.

The Council were criticised by parents and trade unions when they announced with less than a days’ notice that all schools and early learning centres in the region would close for three days due to industrial action last month- just days after many parents were told their children’s school would remain open. There was also confusion after the council failed to implement national agreements allowing staff to work from home were practical, if childcare couldn’t be secured.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “The Council’s handling of the last school closures was an utter shambles and we cannot see a repeat this time. No other council in Scotland left it so late to inform parents of closures or treated their staff with such contempt by failing to honour national agreements on working from home.

“If these strikes go ahead, I’ll be on the picket line listening to our lowest paid workers. But I know they don’t want to be on strike. Even at this late stage, I’m urging the Scottish Government to intervene to properly fund a pay deal so there is no need for any school closures.”

Leader of the Labour Group on Dumfries and Galloway Council Arche Dryburgh said, “The council has been given adequate notice of strike action, so the Labour Group will now be pressing for early decisions on school closures, so parents can try to plan childcare. We will also be seeking assurances that council staff who can’t get childcare will be supported to work from home, where that’s practical.

“Crucially the arrangements need to be communicated to parents and staff as soon as possible and not at the last minute.

“During the last strikes, the Tory led council leadership were posted missing. They need to get a grip this time.

“I also hope this strike date announcement focuses the mind of both Council Leaders and the Scottish Government and they do far more to find a settlement to avoid any strike action. Sadly their track record doesn’t fill me with any hope that they will do so.”