Teachers back on picket line
Schools across West Lothian were closed to pupils again this week as teachers staged a third day of industrial action.
Members of the EIS union walked out on Tuesday as staff continue their fight for a ten per cent rise .
Teachers braved rain and wind to take to the picket lines and said the public support them.
EIS West Lothian tweeted: “Great support this morning, over 400 toots (we counted), thumbs up and light flashes. Spirits high despite the weather!
“The Scottish Government and COSLA can end the dispute at any time by coming back to the table with a credible offer.”
EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said: “Scotland’s teachers have responded magnificently in recent weeks, supporting ongoing strike action in their tens of thousands right across the country.
“On strike days, schools have closed and the streets have been ablaze with the bright green and pink EIS pay campaign colours, with teachers on the picket lines and attending demonstrations and rallies right across Scotland. Teachers do not want to be there, and would much rather be in class working to support young people’s education.
“But, having been compelled to take strike action by the inaction of the Scottish government and COSLA on pay, Scotland’s teachers are not going to back down.”
The Scottish government has previously insisted that the 10 per cent rise is unaffordable.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:“The union demands for a 10 per cent increase for all teachers – even the highest paid – is not affordable within the Scottish Government’s fixed budget and a more pragmatic approach is needed before we can reach a compromise.
“The Scottish government values the hard work that our teaching workforce put in for our learners and we remain absolutely committed to ensuring they receive a fair pay deal.
“We remain in talks with unions and hope that these will continue to progress towards a compromise to ensure a sustainable deal for all involved.”