Schools facing strike action next week

SCHOOLS across East Dunbartonshire are facing strike action over a dispute to do with working conditions of teachers.

Kirkintilloch High School, Lenzie Academy and Bearsden Academy will be taking part in the action on Tuesday, March 27.

The NASUWT, The Teachers’ Union, has issued a notice of strike action to East Dunbartonshire Council following its alleged failure to tackle management practices which they say have an adverse impact on the workload and working conditions of teachers. Union bosses have warned that other schools could follow suit.

Ms Chris Keates, NASUWT general secretary, said: “Whilst the Government must take responsibility for the year-on-year deterioration in teachers’ pay and conditions, there are actions that employers have the power to take locally to address some of the concerns raised by teachers and alleviate some of the pressures on them.

“It is disappointing that we have been forced to take action in East Dunbartonshire, but having attempted to engage in constructive discussions to work together on these issues, regrettably the council changed its position and instead of confirming it would work with us on the issues we had raised, would only commit to them informing local discussions. By the council’s own admission, these discussions have been going on for years.

“East Dunbartonshire missed a golden opportunity to demonstrate it was prepared to listen to its teachers and act on their concerns.” Jacqui MacDonald, chief education officer at East Dunbartonshire Council responded: “The council has made positive steps through collegiate working with teacher trade unions to address issues in relation to workload and tackling bureaucracy. We do not accept that we have refused to work with the NASUWT or any teacher trade unions to address issues or concerns within our schools.

“The council is seeking legal advice and we will keep parents and carers updated.”