ALL schools in Dumfries and Galloway will be closed next week due to more strikes.
School support staff, who are members of Unison, are walking out once again on Wednesday in a dispute over pay.
And the local authority has decided to shut all educational establishments and early learning centres for the day as a result.
Announcing their decision yesterday, director of education Dr Gillian Brydson said: “We appreciate the inconvenience associated with this information.”
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth welcomed the advance notice and said: “No one wants to see disruption in our schools, but at least Dumfries and Galloway Council has given notice of school closures ahead of the strike action due to take place on 8 November, so parents will be able to plan as best they can. But there is still a lack of clarity for council staff regarding working from home if they can’t secure childcare on strike days.”
He still hopes a solution can be found to avert the walkout and added: “If these strikes ultimately go ahead, I’ll be on the picket line listening to our lowest paid workers.
“But no one wants to see industrial action. Even at this late stage, I’m urging the Scottish Government to intervene to properly fund a pay deal and council leaders to get back round the table with the trade unions, so there is no need for any school closures and no disruption to pupils and parents.”
