Schools across Dumfries and Galloway will be closed for two days next week due to strike action.
Youngsters will return to classes on Monday after the mid-term break – but will be back home on Tuesday and Wednesday as members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) walk out due to a pay dispute.
The EIS has knocked back a new offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Scottish Government of a six per cent increase in 2022/23 and a further five and a half per cent in 2023/24.
They are pushing for a 10 per cent pay rise this year.
Members of the EIS in Dumfries and Galloway will be holding a rally at Stranraer on Tuesday morning.
Local EIS president, Julie Irving, said: “It is with great disappointment teachers are being forced to strike again. Quite simply, the system is near breaking point and teachers striking want the best for every young person in our schools.
“Education needs investment, it needs to be an appealing career to attract the best graduates and that includes having a salary comparable to other graduate professions.
“We need permanent contracts and an end to the zero hours on offer for supply staff and newly qualified teachers. We need additional support staff in our schools to ensure we can meet the needs of young people.”
As well as taking action next week, EIS members are also set to strike on March 7, 8 and 9 in the constituencies of key politicians.
They include those of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, deputy First Minister John Swinney and COSLA’s resources spokeswoman Katie Hagmann.
That will affect the Wigtown West and Mid Galloway area, with Creetown Primary among schools set to close.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Sommerville said she was “very disappointed” that the EIS rejected the latest offer.
She has written an open letter to pupils explaining what support is available during strike periods.
She said: “I want to reassure pupils, parents and carers that my focus remains on resolving this pay dispute, delivering a fair and sustainable settlement for teachers and ending disruption in our schools.
“The threat of further disruption in the run up to the exam diet is particularly concerning. I have written to local authorities asking them to consider how secondary schools can remain open for pupils preparing for exams, and this is being reviewed by councils on a school by school basis.
