Schools across Glasgow have closed their doors today (January 16) amid an ongoing pay dispute which has resulted in strikes.
It comes as primary and secondary teachers have walked out in a bid to ask for more money amid the current cost of living crisis. Despite calling for an increase, the Scottish Government stated they would not be able to do so for all teachers as it's not affordable within its fixed budget.
Last week across two days, primary schools shut on January 10 whilst secondary school closed the following day on January 11. However today, both remain closed.
READ MORE: How much tax you will be paying after April 2023? Full list of changes in Scotland
So, what are the dates for the upcoming strikes in different parts of Scotland? Here's what you need to know.
Why are teachers going on strike and which unions are involved?
Three teachers’ unions have planned walkouts across this month and into February. If a deal is not reached, the strikes will all go ahead.
The Unions are:
- EIS
- NASUWT
Association of Headteachers and Deputes (AHDS) unions
What percentage are teachers asking for?
The EIS have organised 16 days of action starting from today (January 16) which will see teachers strike across Scotland.
Unions have rejected a pay offer that would see most teachers receive a five per cent rise with the lowest earners seeing an increase of 6.85 per cent. Despite this, Scotland's Education Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, has said that the 10 per cent teachers are demanding is unaffordable.
On Friday the EIS announced a further 22 days of strike action starting at the end of February in a bid to see a better deal.
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: "The recent days of strike action by Scotland's teachers have succeeded in bringing the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) and the Scottish Government back to the negotiating table - but they have yet to put a single extra penny onto that table.
"Scotland's teachers rejected a sub-inflationary five per cent offer six months ago, and little or no progress has been made in negotiations since."
With 22 additional days of strike action on top of the 16 days starting today, Bradley hopes it will "signal clearly to the Scottish Government and Cosla that they must now act with urgency" adding that "our members are resolute and determined to secure a fair pay settlement, which both properly reflects their value and also takes account of the soaring cost of living."
Mike Corbett, NASUWT’s national official in Scotland, also said: “Members are determined to continue with our campaign of industrial action and will stand together with teachers in other unions to send a united message to the Scottish Government and employers that they deserve a fair pay settlement.
“Teaching is a critical job and one that is uniquely and increasingly challenging. Teachers just want pay levels that reflect the years of training they have undertaken, the high level of workload involved and the skill involved in meeting the needs of all pupils.”
Scottish school strike dates - full list
- Monday 16 January – Glasgow and East Lothian
- Tuesday 17 January – Perth and Kinross and North Ayrshire
- Wednesday 18 January – Orkney and Fife
- Thursday 19 January – Moray and North Lanarkshire
- Friday 20 January – Angus and East Dunbartonshire
- Monday 23 January – East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway
- Tuesday 24 January – Stirling and East Renfrewshire
- Wednesday 25 January – South Ayrshire and Edinburgh
- Thursday 26 January – Midlothian and West Dunbartonshire
- Friday 27 January – Renfrewshire and Falkirk
- Monday 30 January – Aberdeenshire and Scottish Borders
- Tuesday 31 January – Highlands and West Lothian
- Wednesday 1 February – Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen
- Thursday 2 February – Dundee and Argyll and Bute
- Friday 3 February – South Lanarkshire and Western Isles
- Monday 6 February – Inverclyde and Shetland
READ NEXT:
Glasgow has UK's shortest life expectancy with 10 year difference - full list of Scottish areas
DVLA issue warning to drivers over 70 as they urge people to renew their licence - how to apply
Seven bills you should double check to save money from council tax to energy
Chinese New Year 2023: What is it, the date it falls on and your animal sign explained
MOT warning as drivers advised to carry out six essential checks before test
