Strike threat as teachers reject pay deal

SCOTLAND’S teachers will be balloted on industrial action after they rejected a 2 per cent pay rise.

Members of both the EIS and NASUWT unions branded the rise inadequate – with the EIS warning it could ballot for action if a ‘fair pay settlement’ is not achieved.

The union told employers at the local government body Cosla they ‘must move more quickly’ and make a fresh offer before the sides meet next in June.

Des Morris, EIS salaries convener and chairman of the teachers’ side of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, said: ‘With inflation running at 9 per cent, Cosla is effectively offering teachers a pay cut when the cost of living is soaring.’

A Cosla spokesman said: ‘We are in active discussions with our trade union partners regarding their pay claim.’