Teachers to walk out in pay dispute

Teachers in Scotland have announced further strike plans in their dispute over pay, with union leaders insisting a “substantially improved” offer is needed to bring an end to the action.

The NASUWT union announced more strike dates for its members, who will take part in protests on Tuesday February 28 and Wednesday March 1.

The EIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, has already declared strike action on those dates, with both primary and secondary schools across the country to be affected by the nationwide walkout.

The NASUWT, meanwhile, said there was still a “window of opportunity to avert further strike action” – but added that “the ball is very much in the court of ministers and employers”.

The comments came amid talks between unions, the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) in a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute.

The pay offer on the table would see most teachers receive a 5% wage rise, though some lowerpaid teachers would get a 6.85% increase.

However, unions are demanding more than that, with the EIS campaigning for 10% while the NASUWT wants a 12% pay rise, arguing that this is needed after previous years of below-inflation pay awards.

As well as joining the two national strike days, NASUWT members will continue with other forms of industrial action by, for example, refusing to cover for absent colleagues.

Union general secretary Patrick Roach said it was the “resolve” of union members who “solidly support” the action that had “brought ministers and employers back to the table over recent weeks to discuss pay”.

He stated: “We have continued and will continue to talk with ministers and employers in a bid to resolve this dispute, but the reality is that for all of the discussions over recent weeks, an improved offer has yet to be made.

“If ministers hope that teachers will give up the fight for a better deal on their pay, they should think again.”

Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs yesterday there is a “gap” between the unions’ demands and “what is affordable”.

The first minister said “further compromise” would be needed to bring an end to the dispute.

PROTEST: NASUWT union has announced two more strike dates.