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30,000 march to demand 10% pay rise for teachers
Thousands of teachers from across Scotland have staged a march in support of calls for a 10 per cent pay rise.
Organised by Scotland’s largest teaching union, the Educational Institute of Scotland ( EIS), events started in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park before the march to George Square, where union leaders and politicians addressed crowds.
Officials said about 30,000 teachers, parents and children took part.
The EIS have been calling for teachers to be given a 10 per cent rise to restore the value of salaries following public sector pay caps.
A pay offer which would have seen all teachers get a rise of three per cent was rejected last month and was described as “divisive”, with issues raised over the parity of pay.
Education Secretary John Swinney argued the offer would result in all teachers on the main grade scale receiving at least a five per cent increase, with some teachers receiving up to 11 per cent in one year in conjunction with annual progression.
Speaking at the rally in George Square, EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “It is magnificent to look out on this massive demonstration and know that we are here, united, because we believe that the future of Scottish education is worth standing up and fighting for.
“Our pay claim is for 10 per cent. Given that the value of take- home pay has dropped by 24 per cent in the last decade, that claim is already a compromise on what we deserve.
“And here is the simple fact – if you want qualified teachers in front of pupils, you need to address the recruitment and retention crisis we are facing.”
EIS president Alison Thornton added: “The salaries of teachers in schools in Scotland are below the European average and those of other countries. “Our pupil-contact hours are high and we still work an average of 11 hours of unpaid overtime each week.
“Austerity doesn’t work, quality public services need proper funding and, by investing in teachers, there is investment in our young people and their futures.”
Local government body Cosla said they took a joint decision with the Scottish Government to write to teachers “spelling out the value and merits of the offer on the table”. The EIS will open a ballot of their members on Tuesday, calling on them to reject the current offer.
Swinney said: “The Scottish Government are contributing an additional £35million this year for teachers’ pay.
“Through a combination of a three per cent increase for all staff earning up to £ 80,000, restructuring the main grade scale and annual progression, the majority of teachers receive a rise between five and 11 per cent.
“We are committed to continuing discussions with teaching unions.”