SCHOOLS across Scotland will be hit by teachers’ strikes as members of two trade unions take action on Wednesday and Thursday.
The strikes, being staged by the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and the NASUWT union, come just two weeks after similar action by the EIS – Scotland’s largest teaching union.
That action, on November 24, closed almost all schools across Scotland – but the latest strikes are unlikely to have the same impact.
Many schools will instead be partially closed, with secondaries open to senior school students.
READ MORE: Listed - the Scottish schools closing this December due to strikes
The strike will have a varying impact on schools across the country with Glasgow City Council saying that “each school will have different plans as the numbers in the two unions taking action – the SSTA and NASUWT – will vary”.
The strikes come as part of a dispute over pay between the teaching unions and the Scottish Government and local government body Cosla.
This round of action will see strikes mainly against authorities in the west of Scotland on Wednesday, switching to the remaining council areas on Thursday.
Glasgow City Council said that “each school will have different plans as the numbers in the two unions taking action – the SSTA and NASUWT – will vary”.
In Edinburgh, where action will take place on Thursday, the council said that “only 10% of the workforce will be involved, we will keep as many schools open as possible”.
Aberdeen Council will also be impacted by strike action on Thursday, with a list of closures available on the council website, while Fife Council has confirmed that all secondary schools will be closed to students on the same day.
The action comes after teachers rejected an offer from the employers last month, with the SSTA branding it a “pathetic and insulting” offer to teachers.
Seamus Searson, SSTA general secretary said: “Hopefully, the employers and the Scottish Government will understand that all teacher unions in Scotland are united in seeking a fair and reasonable pay settlement and there needs to be a willingness to solve the pay dispute.
“The latest offer was quickly rejected by the teachers’ unions and was deliberately divisive and inadequate.
“This apparent show of contempt to teachers by this offer has hardened the resolve of members and forced the SSTA to take the strongest form of action.”
He added: “The SSTA can only apologise to the pupils and their parents who are stuck in the middle of a dispute that should have been resolved in months ago. Teachers do not want to be taking strike action as they would rather be in school teaching.
“The SSTA, as always, is willing to meet at any time with the employers and Scottish Government to find a resolution to this dispute but there must be willingness to engage on the part of the other side.”
Unions have been calling for a 10% wage increase for teachers, although the Scottish Government insists this is unaffordable.
Dr Patrick Roach, the general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “This is first time members in Scotland have taken national strike action in over a decade.
“The fact it has come to this is a reflection of the depth of anger and frustration they feel at being continually told by ministers and Cosla that there is no more money to increase their pay, while their workloads spiral and the expectations on them mount.
“The cost-of-living crisis has brought this situation to a head and unless ministers and employers act to offer teachers a fair and decent pay award we cannot rule out further strike action in the months to come.”
READ MORE: UK Government under pressure to release Michelle Mone PPE contract
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said that the strike is in “no-one’s interest” and the Scottish Government remains committed to finding a fair settlement for Scottish teachers.
She said: “It is very disappointing that the teaching unions have rejected the latest offer, the fourth which has been put to unions, which mirrors the deal accepted by other local government workers.
“The request for a 10% increase for all teachers – even the highest paid – is not affordable within the Scottish Government’s fixed budget.
“While councils are responsible for managing the impact of industrial action, I expect schools to remain open wherever possible, so that disruption can be minimised. Any closures would follow risk assessments made in individual areas.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel