Teaching union issues industrial action notice in workload dispute

Scotland’s largest teaching union has issued a formal notice of its intention to call industrial action, as part of a dispute over workload.

Members of the EIS union had earlier voted in favour of industrial action, with officials saying there has not been action to tackle “excessive” workloads.

It raised the prospect of a potential strike in April or May, which would be in the run-up to exams.

The Scottish Parliament elections will also take place on May 7.

On Friday the union issued a 10-day notice of its intention to take action, saying that despite “progress” in negotiations a firm agreement had not been reached.

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said the union was complying with legal requirements around notices for industrial action, saying: “This allows us to keep our options open, within the confines of current trade union law, and retain the option to call on our members to take industrial action, should it be required to ensure a resolution to this long-running dispute.

“Some progress has been made in the past 24 hours but so far, we have nothing in writing to reflect the commitment of the Scottish Government and Cosla to deliver on past promises.”

She continued: “The EIS remains fully committed to seeking a negotiated solution to this dispute, and will remain available in the coming days and before the closing of this 10-day window for meaningful discussion with the Scottish Government and local authority employers, through Cosla.

“We would urge those other parties to use this window wisely, and to move swiftly to ensure that an agreement can be reached to end this dispute, in the best interests of learners and teachers across Scotland.”

Councillor Ricky Bell, Cosla’s resources spokesperson said: “Cosla continues to discuss reducing class contact time with the EIS and the Scottish Government.

“What is most important for councils is ensuring the best outcomes for our children and young people.

“For this to be implemented, councils require full funding and an assurance that reducing the time teachers spend in front of their classes by 90 minutes per week to 21 hours will have a positive impact on children and young people.

“We therefore welcome the Scottish Government’s acknowledgement that additional funding is required.”

Earlier in the week, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth pledged additional investment and said she was “determined” to find a resolution to prevent a strike.

She said: “No-one’s interests will be served by industrial action in our schools.

“This will significantly disrupt children and young people’s learning, particularly in the crucial period leading up to exams, as well as causing disruption to parents, carers and school communities.”