Scotland's teaching union announce 16 new strikes over salary dispute

Numerous teachers went on strike yesterday, the first in four decades, forcing the closure of all state schools on the Scottish mainland. According to Andrea Bradley, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the strikes will occur on sixteen consecutive days in January and February, with teachers in two local authorities on strike on each of these sixteen days.

The strike will begin on January 16, and will extend until February 6. It implies that while tiny areas of Scotland will be affected on any given day, the entire country will be affected over 16 days.

Andrea Bradley blames the government’s for the strike


Ms Bradley said the teachers were compelled to escalate the action because of the government’s reluctance to pay teachers correctly and provide improved workplace conditions reasonably. Teachers earning less than £40,107 will receive a raise of £1,926 per year under new plans, representing a 6.85% increase for those on lower wages and a 5% increase for those earning more.


On Bauer Radio, Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Scottish Education Secretary, called the unions yesterday to return to the bargaining table. Although the unions’ strong desire for a 10% raise is justifiable, the Scottish government has offered a 21.8% increase in teacher wages since 2018, including this year’s proposal.

FAQs:

1. What other UK industries are planning strikes this year?
   Transportation, NHS, education, and delivery drivers.
2. When will be the national strike days held?
   National strike days will be held on January 10 for primary and special school teachers and on January 11 for secondary and secondary special school teachers.