Nursery Nurses On Strike

NURSERY NURSES were out on picket lines in front of schools all over Kirklees on 4 April. The pickets were reassured by the tremendous support they got from parents and passers by.

Jackie Grunsell

Petitions were being filled in left, right and centre and at the mass meeting later that day car horns tooted support to loud cheers.

One nursery nurse from Dryclough nursery said: “Most of the parents have supported this action. They know we’re being expected to take on more and more responsibility for no more pay. No-one wants to be on strike but we see it as the only way”.

Another commented: “All the teachers who work alongside us are supportive, three even came to our meeting. We’re not asking for the same pay as teachers, just recognition for what we do. The government wants to put early years at the forefront of education – we’re already doing that work but with no recognition. Do they want quality care or just any old care? If they want quality they have to provide resources and pay to match it. We’re only asking for a fair deal.”

Earlier that morning in a radio interview Councillor Smithson had been embarrassed to hear parents saying they thought nursery nurses deserved more.

Nursery Nurses will be lobbying the full council meeting – the last one before the elections. Politicians will be embarrassed into either conceding the claim or risk losing public support. Either way, momentum remains with UNISON.

Messages of support still urgently required. Fax no. 01484 450174.