Union issues warning of possible school closures

Will Dundee secondary schools close on June 22 when teachers strike? Teaching union the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) certainly thinks so.

It is campaigning against the introduction of a faculties management system in secondary schools.

Faculties will see “families” of subjects grouped together with one curriculum head, instead of a principal teacher in every subject, as is the current system.

This will see 110 principal teacher posts axed and could mean, for example, a teacher in biology heading a science faculty for biology, chemistry and physics.

The EIS argues this is not beneficial to pupils and will result in fewer experienced teachers, less dedicated support and an increase in teachers’ workload and stress.

David Baxter, Dundee rep for EIS and a teacher in the city, said: “This is the biggest dispute in industrial actions which I remember. We think schools will close.”

Dundee City Council has said it is making provisions to prioritise vulnerable pupils and children of key workers.

However, it has not yet announced if any schools will close and says details will be released to schools as soon as plans have been confirmed.

The EIS has planned for this strike to last for one day only, on June 22. After that, schools will return to usual operation.

Mr Baxter said: “We will be back into school after one day of action.

“We felt that would be unprecedented and the SNP would not want teachers on strike on a manifesto policy of school empowerment when they are trying to impose something we don’t want.

“But we obviously misjudged the situation and they don’t care about what teachers think and believe they know more about what is best in the classroom.”

The council has met with union reps regularly and says it is “hoping and willing” to continue talks.

The Dundee branch of EIS has also decided that from August onwards it will “battle for the removal of good will”.

That means votes will take place in relation to the teachers not carrying out duties above and beyond their job description and pay scale.

It will also have an impact on where the union’s annual general meeting (AGM) is held.

The three day event – currently taking place in Dundee – brings hundreds of people to the city and is worth an estimated £1m in local revenue.

In reaction to the council’s new recruitment drive for faculty posts, the EIS has withdrawn an invitation for Dundee Lord Provost Bill Campbell to attend the meeting in the city.

Mr Baxter said: “The AGM is taking place this week but it’s the last time it will be held in Dundee and if the strike goes ahead, I don’t believe it will ever be back.

“We will not deal with a local authority that tries to circumnavigate industrial relations.”

He added: “It’s not about money, it’s not about pensions, it’s about politicians telling teachers that they know more about how to run education than teachers do.”

The council says the system will bring together related subjects and believes it will raise pupils’ achievements.

Stewart Hunter, children and families convener for the council, said: “A move to faculties is designed to improve the quality of learning and teaching by providing enhanced whole school leadership that can better support pupils and improve outcomes.

“Head teachers have been clear with us that this is what they want for their schools.

“They believe that faculties, tailored to their own schools, will benefit their young people.”

ACTION: Dundee teachers could strike on June 22 in protest at plans to introduce a new management system in city secondary schools.