‘Scope for compromise’ on teachers’ pay says minister

As reported by the BBC, the Scottish government said there is ‘potential scope for compromise’ following talks with teaching unions in a bid to prevent further strikes

The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SCNT) will meet on Monday to discuss pay deal options as unions rejected a five per cent increase, arguing for 10%.

The offer includes rises of up to 6.85% for the lowest paid staff. Members of the EIS, NASUWT and SSTA trade unions are due to strike on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Staff in primary schools will walk out on Tuesday followed by secondary school teachers on Wednesday and schools across Scotland are expected to shut during the industrial action.

The SNCT brings unions, the government and councils together to negotiate teachers’ pay. The EIS said it hoped the meeting, which was called at the request of the unions, will advance discussions towards a new offer.

Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said talks held between the Scottish government and unions on Friday were “constructive and helpful”.

She said: “I took the opportunity to make clear how much I value our teaching workforce and recognise the vital importance of reaching a fair and affordable settlement on pay.

“We are open to considering options to resolve this dispute, through the SNCT, and potential scope for compromise.

“I recognise that any deal must be fair and affordable for all concerned, given the unprecedented pressures facing Scotland’s budget.”

Ms Somerville added she hoped unions would reconsider their plans for industrial action while talks were ongoing.

She said: “Strikes in our schools are in no one’s interest – including for pupils, parents and carers who have already had to deal with significant disruption over the past three years.”

Meanwhile, Scottish conservative leader Douglas Ross criticised the education secretary for not doing enough to avert strike action.

He said: “We know that Shirley-Anne Somerville has done very little with the teacher unions to reach a resolution on this.

“And that’s why for the first time in decades we saw teachers striking at the tail end of last year.

“Has anyone heard from the SNP education minister over the Christmas period about what she and her government are trying to do to avert these strikes in the new year? Nothing, not a single thing – it’s unacceptable.”