School learning assistants who support pupils with profound needs in West Dunbartonshire are to take part in a strike ballot in a dispute over job grading, says UNISON today (Thursday).
The union says there has been growing frustration with workers feeling increasingly undervalued.
Staff provide personal care to children with disabilities, behavioural challenges and complex medical needs, but feel their expertise is not reflected in their pay, says UNISON.
The union consulted the learning assistants, who are currently paid at grade 3, about whether they want to progress to a strike vote. That survey closed today (Thursday) and an overwhelming majority said they want to move to a formal industrial action ballot.
UNISON regional organiser Gillian Bannatyne said: “Staff have been trying to get their voices heard for 18 months. Talks last month made no progress, so the mostly women workforce were consulted about next steps.
“Now they’ve decided to move to a strike vote. The union is doing all it can to find a fair solution and will continue talking to the council.”
UNISON West Dunbartonshire branch secretary Audrey McKie said: “Learning assistants in West Dunbartonshire take on responsibilities far beyond their job descriptions.
“They de-escalate violent incidents, provide intimate personal care and support children with profound needs. Yet they’re only paid for basic classroom support.
“Staff don’t want to disrupt pupils, but they’ve had enough of being undervalued.”
Notes to editors:
– The consultative ballot ran from 18 December 2025 to today (Thursday). Members were asked if they support moving to a statutory ballot, up to and including industrial action. Of the overwhelming majority that took part in the survey, there was 100% support for a formal industrial action ballot. UNISON will now prepare for the next stage, with dates to be announced soon.
– 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 workforce say their skills and responsibilities are not reflected in current job evaluations.