Concerns are growing amongst locals that Fife schools may become the latest casualty of next week's industrial action.

More than 9, 000 Fife Council workers are set to take industrial action  on Wednesday 20 August, after rejecting the latest pay deal put on the table by CoSLA.

The local authority's looking to issue a 2.5% pay rise each year over three years, however staff are seeking 5% over one year and Fife Council is warning residents of the possibility of some school closures.

Eric Byiers, Executive Director Local Community and Housing Services said: "We are continuing to work with the Trades Unions to ensure that essential services, protecting the most vulnerable people in Fife, can be maintained as far as possible.

"We have asked the Unions to exclude staff working in such areas from the strike. This includes home care services, residential and day care services and transportation officers on emergency standby to deal with issues such as floods.

"However, the majority of services will be affected and it's likely that most council-owned buildings will be closed to the public, including Local Services Centres and libraries.
"Although teachers aren't involved in the strike, many support staff such as education assistants and catering and cleaning staff are. We will only close schools on Wednesday if it is absolutely necessary, but parents should be aware of possible disruption."

Fife's schools return for the new session on Tuesday 19 August, the day before the industrial action is due to take place. Parents should speak to their school to check arrangements for Wednesday 20. The text and email alert system will be used to inform parents who are registered to receive alerts if a school does have to close.

The council apologises for any inconvenience and normal services will resume from Thursday morning. More information about service disruptions across Fife and registering for closure alerts will be available on http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/