SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 24/02/04

SSP attacks COSLA chief's "double standards" and calls for solidarity with Scotland's nursery nurses

Tommy Sheridan today attacked what he called the "double standards" of COSLA boss Pat Watters in relation to the nursery nurses' dispute and remuneration for councillors.
Mr Watters, leader of South Lanarkshire Council and Convenor of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, addressed the Parliament's Local Government Committee last month. He argued for all councillors to receive a "flat rate" payment set "nationally". He also suggested the "flat rate"should be 50% of an MSP salary, resulting in a councillor's wage of £25,000 a year.
Tommy Sheridan, SSP MSP and National Convenor, said today:
"Here we have New Labour double standards exposed.
“Pat Watters and COSLA refuse to negotiate a national pay and conditions settlement for Scotland's nursery nurses, but he demands just such a national package for Scotland's councillors.
“It reeks of hypocrisy.
“Sure councillors should be entitled to a proper salary set nationally, but that's what people like Pat Watters are denying Scotland's underpaid and undervalued nursery nurses."
"The nursery nurses deserve a proper national settlement and are having to take strike action to get it.
“They don't want to strike but are left with no alternative because of COSLA and Scottish Executive intransigence.
All Scots should support them.
They carry a huge burden in delivering pre-school education and care to Scotland's kids."
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