Teachers are to strike on two more dates in January, following next week’s industrial action which will close local schools.
The EIS – Scotland’s largest teaching union – has announced further action on January 10 and January 11 and warned more walkouts could follow.
The strike on January 10 will involve primary, early years and special school (primary and primary/secondary) teachers.
Secondary school teachers – including those in special schools – will strike on January 11.
‘Make a better offer and prevent strike’
It is yet to be confirmed by councils in Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perth and Kinross whether this will lead to further school closures.
The EIS has rejected a 5% pay offer for teachers, and announced new dates after no new offer was made during a meeting of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers on Thursday.
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said the “ball is very much in the court” of local government body Cosla and the Scottish Government to make an improved offer and prevent strike action.
She said it appeared Thursday’s meeting had been called to make it appear that talks were progressing, but instead “simply went round the houses”.
She said: “Scotland’s’ teachers – and Scotland’s young people – deserve far better from Cosla and the Scottish Government.”
Cosla said it remained in active discussion with trade union partners.
A spokesperson said: “Making an offer that is affordable and enables councils to protect the whole of education services and ultimately improve outcomes for children and young people.
“Along with Scottish Government, we are working closely and at pace to ensure a revised offer can be brought forward, however, there are extremely challenging financial decisions that must be made and the consequences must be understood.”
Conversation