Glasgow primary teachers are joining their colleagues from across the country in strike action as the row over pay with the Scottish Government rages on.
Staff from throughout the primary education sector have walked out, resulting in schools across the city shutting their doors.
The action was spearheaded by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) last November and continues as unions reject a five per cent increase and ask for a 10 per cent pay rise instead.
READ MORE: Glasgow restaurant Julie's Kopitiam to close in southside after five 'wonderful' years
Tinto Primary School is one of the schools taking part in the strike action, with many staff gathering outside the building from 8am.
Primary 6/7 teacher Mary Reid has joined her fellow colleagues on the picket line.
She told Glasgow Live: "We feel like we have been forced into strike action.
"The government have had since before Christmas to try and negotiate a deal which reflects the increase in the cost of living. They currently don't reflect that right now so we feel we have been forced into this action.
"We don't want to be here, we want to be in the classroom teaching the children, that's what we came into the profession to do.
"Unfortunately we feel as though this is necessary action."
The Tinto Primary teacher believes the demands that many face both in and out of the classroom are causing more stress than ever.
She wants the pay offer to take the increased pressure into account.
Mary said: "We go home and we prepare and mark.
"We spend weekends preparing lessons so it's not just a 9am to 3pm job and we understand that and we love it.
"But we are being forced into action to ensure our wages reflect what we do. At the moment what they are offering is basically a pay cut.
"What they offered was good for new teachers coming into the profession but for current staff it doesn't reflect an increase at all and it's quite an insulting offer. The demands of teaching have changed enormously.
"We are asked to do a lot more nurture wise.
"It's not just about teaching kids how to read and write, there's the social aspect as well. We've been asked to do a lot more with less resources, less funding.
"It's becoming a lot more stressful for a lot of teachers nowadays."
Many of those who have walked out also have children who will be impacted by the strike action.
However, Mary believes that it is short term pain for long term benefit.
The teacher said: "My son's going in to do his higher prelims today.
"I have friends who are secondary teachers who are worried about the impact if we are forced to continue to strike.
"However, my children understand it as well because they see what classrooms are like nowadays. and they see us as parents tightening up our purse strings.
"Bills are going up in all areas just now and we can't afford it."
Tinto Primary's Principal, Gordon Haveron, was also out on the picket line.
He revealed that not only are teachers having to fork out for rising energy bills but they are also paying for equipment to ensure students have the best possible education.
Gordon said: "I'm a teacher, I love my job, I love my profession, but simply the cost of living have got to a point where life has become challenging.
"I'm a father of three and the cost of living over the last six months has just become unmanageable.
"We feel as teachers that we aren't get paid what we deserve, what we work for. The budgets we get from Glasgow City Council have shrunk and shrunk almost every single year.
"Staff want to do the best for their classroom.
"Staff are having to buy their own resources, jotters, crayons and pencils which should not be happening.
"On top of the cost of living this becomes unmanageable. Staff need to choose between what the kids want in class and what they can afford that has to change."
The dad-of-three revealed that he had many sleepless nights when it came to making the decision to walk out, however, he is adamant that striking is the only way to ensure his voice is heard.
The Principal said: "I don't want to be here.
"I want my kids to go to school and my daughter to go to nursery. My emotions are split between what I want to do and what I need to do.
"I'm finding it really hard to make the choice but I know the decision to be here today is the best for my family."
The historic walkout has been deemed preventable but necessary by the EIS with Secondary School staff set to walk out tomorrow.
General Secretary of EIS Andrea Bradley said: "This is only the second time in 40 years that have teachers have been forced to take action like this over pay and really that is something the Scottish Government and COSLA should take serious thought of.
"This shows the strength and resolve of our members and that they will win a fair pay settlement.
"The five per cent that has really been on the table since August is far from acceptable and we've many people across Scotland on the picket line to demonstrate the unacceptability of the offer.
"The Scottish Government should raise the funds to fairly pay the teachers for the important work that they do."
READ NEXT
Mum humiliated as Asda worker 'accuses her of buying five-year-old son a scratch card'
Uniform tax rebate and how to check if you are eligible for the discount
Scottish households issued £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme warning amid rising bills
Ways to keep your home warm and bills low, according to property expert
Argos shoppers rave over 'bargain' wearable blanket saving them money on heating bills
