Row as Minister hails union baron
THE SNP’s Education Minister has come under fire after posting an image of herself honouring a union boss – as his colleagues are set to strike.
Shirley-Anne Somerville is seen congratulating Larry Flanagan, former head of the EIS teaching union.
He was awarded the Robert Owen Award for his ‘significant contribution to Scottish education’ as teachers remain at loggerheads with the Scottish Government over pay. Teachers have been offered a 5 per cent rise but unions want twice that figure.
All but a handful of schools will shut this week as a result of the strike action.
Scottish Conservative education spokesman Stephen Kerr said: ‘Shirley-Anne Somerville has been posted missing as strike action is set to grip Scotland’s schools on Thursday, yet she seems to have found the time to dish out this award to a top union boss.
‘If the Education Secretary could make room in her schedule for this ceremony, the very least she can do is get back round the table and deliver a solution that will avoid our young people missing yet more time in the classroom.’