Strike action to close 28 primary schools in West Dunbartonshire

Nearly 30 primary schools in West Dunbartonshire are to close on Wednesday due to strike action being taken by support staff.

Learning assistants in the region are walking out for one day due to a row over how their jobs are graded.

The staff provide personal care to children with disabilities, behavioural challenges and complex medical needs but have said their expertise and workload is not reflected in their pay.

A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council said the local authority was disappointed with the decision to strike and was continuing to speak to trade union Unison over the dispute.

All primary schools in the area will be closed with the the exception of Levenvale, Knoxland, Linnvale and St Mary's Primary School in Duntocher, as these schools do not have grade three learning assistants.

Staff voted to walk out last month, saying they felt they were being undervalued for the work they do.

Gillian Bannatyne, Unison's regional organiser, said: "Going on strike is the last thing these dedicated workers want to do

"But they feel they've no choice after being undervalued and ignored. It's time the council took their work seriously and paid them properly for what they do."

The union argues that learning assistants should be paid more because their responsibilities go beyond their job descriptions, including de-escalating violent incidents and providing personal care.

A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council said: "We value the vital work learning assistants undertake within our classrooms and are disappointed they are taking industrial action.

"We remain committed to minimising disruption where possible and are continuing to liaise with our union colleagues."

The council said there was a system in place to evaluate pay for new jobs and re-evaluate salaries for existing roles.

The spokesperson said the Scottish Joint Council Job Evaluation Scheme - which involves evaluations undertaken jointly with union analysts - ensured there was consistency and "equal pay for work of equal value".

The council added that it would continue to support employees in any subsequent job evaluation resubmissions.