UNISON has today served notice to North Lanarkshire Council that early-years workers will be taking strike action for four days in early September.

Staff voted overwhelmingly earlier this summer to strike over the council’s ‘fire and rehire’ plans, which the union says would leave workers 'thousands of pounds worse off'. 

The council is proposing to make early years practitioners redundant or asking them to work at a lower wage rate. Meaning, full-time staff could see a pay cut of up to £6,500, says the union.

The proposals affect 375 workers.  

Workers will strike on Thursday 7, Friday 8, Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 September. 

UNISON North Lanarkshire branch secretary Marie Quigley said: "The union’s doing everything possible to find a solution. The last thing in the world these early years workers want to do is go on strike.

"They want to be in nurseries supporting children and families and preparing them for primary school. But the council is threatening them with fire and rehire plans which would leave the majority £6,500 worse off per year.

"This just isn’t right. The council is urged to withdraw these plans and get back around the table with UNISON to find a solution."

UNISON Scotland regional organiser Audrey Malloy added: "This action is expected to close nurseries across the council.  

"The workers don’t choose lightly to strike, but they’re absolutely determined to see it through. This workforce of mostly women is grateful for the amazing support from families and the wider community in North Lanarkshire. The council must see sense, withdraw these plans and get back around the table to find a solution."