Teachers threaten action over pay deal

A second union has warned of the potential for industrial action to secure above inflation pay for teachers this year.

A survey conducted by the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) found 96% of its members were prepared to take industrial action and 64% were prepared to strike.

Earlier this month the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) also threatened industrial action in schools, warning that a below inflation pay rise would be “unacceptable”.

The 2018-19 pay settlement for Scotland’s teachers will be decided by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, which includes members from teaching organisations, councils and the Scottish Government.

Last month a backdated deal on teachers’ pay for 2017 was reached, including a 1% pay rise backdated to April 2017, and a further 1% uplift from January until the end of March 2018.

SSTA, which surveyed 1,359 members, found that 77% were not content with the 2017 pay increase and 89% did not believe it would encourage teachers to remain in the profession.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has committed to lifting the 1% public sector pay cap and providing for a 3% pay rise for NHS staff, police, teachers and others earning up to £30,000 and 2% for those earning more than £30,000.