The staff, who support pupils with profound needs, are walking out in a dispute over how their jobs are graded.
The union says the walkouts will close primary schools in the area and come after school staff voted overwhelmingly for industrial action last month.
The mostly women workforce provide personal care to children with disabilities, behavioural challenges and complex medical needs in both primary and secondary schools. They say that expertise is not reflected in their pay.
UNISON regional organiser Gillian Bannatyne 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 for too long. It’s time the council took their work seriously and paid them properly for what they do.”
UNISON West Dunbartonshire branch chair Aly McCulloch said: “Learning assistants take on responsibilities far beyond their job descriptions.
“They de-escalate violent incidents, provide intimate personal care and support children with profound needs.
“Staff don’t want to be on strike, but they do need to be paid fairly for the skilled work they do.”
Notes to editors:
Photo opportunities at picket lines:
– St Peter The Apostle High School, Kirkoswald Drive, Clydebank, G81 2DB (7.30-9am)
– St Eunan’s Primary/Nursery, Kirkoswald Drive, Clydebank, G81 2DB (9-10am)
– Gavinburn Primary School, Dumbarton Rd, Old Kilpatrick, Glasgow G60 5NE (8-10am)
– St Stephen’s Primary School, Second Ave, Clydebank G81 3LE (8-10am)
Photo opportunities at picket rally:
– Rally at West Dunbartonshire Council Head Quarters, Church Street, Dumbarton (11am)
Further information:
– Ballot result: 97.5% voted yes when asked whether staff were prepared to take strike action.
– Learning assistants support vulnerable pupils, including children with additional support needs, physical disabilities, communication barriers, behavioural challenges and complex medical conditions. Their daily duties include personal care, crisis intervention, safeguarding, educational support and emotional regulation. The union says their skills and responsibilities are not reflected in current job evaluations.
– UNISON is the largest union in Scotland. Members work in education, councils, NHS, social care, police services, energy and water.