Unions ‘very sorry’ for teacher strike disruption

As reported by the BBC, union leaders have said they are ‘very sorry’ as thousands of pupils across Scotland face another unscheduled day off due to teacher strike

Members of the SSTA and NASUWT unions are taking action on Wednesday and Thursday, claiming they have no other option in their pay dispute.

They have warned there could be further strikes if they do not receive a ‘significantly improved’ offer.

The Scottish government said the unions’ demands were “not affordable”.

It follows the EIS strike which saw almost all schools close on 24 November and the rejection of the latest pay proposal.

Unions were offered a rise of between five per cent and six point eight five per cent but the EIS is asking for 10%.

On Tuesday the NASUWT said it was seeking a fully funded rise of 12% for 2022/23.

Union members in 17 local authorities boycotted classes on Wednesday, with action in the other 15 council areas on Thursday – resulting in the partial closures of many schools.

Iain Glennie, assistant general secretary with the SSTA union, said he expected further strike action in January unless the proposal from employers was “significantly improved”.