Dundee primary teachers join picket lines as national strike over pay continues

By Sheanne Mulholland

January 10 2023, 2:15pm

Primary teachers in Dundee, including at Rowantree primary (pictured), joined picket lines in national strike. Image: Supplied EIS.

Primary schools in Dundee are closed to pupils as teachers take to picket lines over pay.

They join primaries across the country affected by a national strike, which has been organised by several unions in a campaign for a 10% pay rise.

Teaching unions EIS, NASUWT, Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and the Association of Headteachers and Deputes Scotland (AHDS) are all taking part in the industrial action.

Together they have rejected a 5% raise and the latest offer of up to 6.85% for lowest-paid staff.

David Baxter, EIS Dundee’s rep, said: “Everybody is really hacked off at the Scottish Government.

Primary teachers on strike at St Clements RC and St Mary’s RC Primary Schools, both in Dundee. Image: Supplied by EIS Dundee.

“Shirley-Anne Somerville (education secretary) has played a game of high risk poker – she expected us to come back and take the offer but we went on strike and there has been very little headway in terms of resolution.

“Teachers do not take strike actions lightly, and only do so in the most extreme of situations, but we find ourselves in the most extreme circumstances.

“We have real concerns of the future of the profession. Graduates are entering and leaving for jobs with better pay and conditions.

Picket line at Claypotts Castle Primary School, Dundee, as part of national strike. Image: Supplied by EIS Dundee.

“If we want the best people in front of our kids then we need to pay them, they’re not going to stick around for the kudos of being a teacher.”

Ongoing discussions

Talks on Monday afternoon failed to reach a resolution, with no new pay offer on the table from the Scottish Government and local government body Cosla.

After the meeting of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said there had been ‘some positive progress’ but only a ‘significantly improved’ offer could end the dispute.

The union hopes fresh talks could take place towards the end of the week.

Teachers on the picket line outside Forthill Primary School, Dundee. Image: Supplied by EIS Dundee.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Yesterday’s SNCT meeting provided a crucial opportunity to further discuss potential areas for agreement.

“While there was a shared understanding that the talks were focussed on examining options for compromise, rather than tabling a new offer, dialogue was constructive.

“We value our teaching workforce and recognise the vital importance of an agreement on pay, but we cannot escape the unprecedented pressures facing Scotland’s budget.

“While we have been clear that a 10% pay increase is unaffordable within the Scottish Government’s fixed budget, we remain absolutely committed to a fair and sustainable pay deal.”

More strikes to come

Today’s action follows a strike by the EIS union which resulted in the closure of all Scottish schools on Thursday, November 24.

Secondary schools were affected again when teaching union NASUWT Scotland led industrial action on December 8.

Tomorrow secondary schools in the area will close for strike action and further strikes are planned to take place in Dundee only on Thursday February 2.