In response to the EIS ballot, Education Secretary has announced she is today
convening an emergency Scottish Negotiating Committee for
Teachers (SNCT) meeting. Commenting she said:
“No one's interests will be served by industrial action in our
schools. This will significantly disrupt children and young
people's learning - particularly in the crucial period leading up
to exams - as well as causing disruption to parents, carers and
school communities.
“I am determined to find a resolution. By convening an emergency
meeting of teaching trade unions, local government and the
Scottish Government I am ensuring minds are focused and everyone
is back around the negotiating table. It is imperative we reach
an agreed position on how to free up teachers' time, and improve
outcomes for Scotland's children.
“The Scottish Government is willing to take important steps to
prevent industrial action, including agreeing to additional new
investment to support councils with additional staffing costs and
finding agreement on the use of time and phased implementation to
ensure the right balance is struck for teacher workload.
“My hope is that teachers will see these steps today as a
demonstration of the Government's genuine commitment to resolve
the workload issues they face and deliver a New Deal for
Scotland's Teachers which includes improved maternity pay and the
delivery of a four-day teaching week pilot.”
