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We asked people in Dundee city centre for their opinion on teacher strikes as more schools are closed

We hit the streets of Dundee to gauge public opinion on teacher strikes. Image: DC Thomson.
We hit the streets of Dundee to gauge public opinion on teacher strikes. Image: DC Thomson.

As parents brace themselves for yet another week of teacher strike action, we asked members the public their opinion on the matter.

We hit the streets of Dundee city centre to gauge public opinion, and found most people we spoke to supported teachers.

Grandad Chris Robertson, 64, from Fintry, said: “The strikes are terrible, they should pay them their due.

“Teachers did their job all through the pandemic, this has gone on too long.”

Chris Robertson. Image: Alan Richardson.

Chris’ eldest grandchild is at a private nursery and he helps with childcare while his daughter works.

He added: “It’s ridiculous that four more days of strikes are needed but they’re not getting what they ask for – they should give them the pay rise, they are worth it.”

Lisa Cameron

Lisa Cameron, 44, from Crieff, is a mum of three older children who have all left school and has one grandchild who is three years old.

Lisa Cameron. Image: Alan Richardson.

She said: “I’m not surprised they are on strike, rightly so, but they shouldn’t have to do it – it’s the children who are left short.

“I do support the teachers, it’s the only way they’ll get a pay rise.

“I hope they do get a resolution but I’m not so sure with this government.”

Sarah Dalziel

Mum Sarah Dalziel, 28, from Arbroath, has two children aged seven and four.

She said: “I’m a stay-at-home mum and my partner works from home so it doesn’t really affect us.

Sarah Dalziel. Image: Alan Richardson.

“More strikes dates will be fine for us but I think they should just pay them. It seems easy, they shouldn’t have to strike to get that.

“However long it takes, there’s no point stopping until they get paid.”

Claire Lowden

Claire Lowden, 32, from Fintry, is mum to a thirteen-year-old. She said: “It’s sad teachers have had to go on strike, everybody deserves to be paid well for what they do.

Claire Lowden. Image: Alan Richardson.

“There hasn’t been any work sent home but a day here or there doesn’t seem too bad when they’ve missed so much through Covid.

“I’d like to see them get paid what they deserve and not just teachers – everybody.”

Kelly Webster

Kelly Webster, 26, from Dundee’s West End, said: “Teachers worked really hard throughout the pandemic and continue to do so now.

“Anyone who does that job deserves to be paid a good wage but they’re not getting that.

Kelly Webster. Image: Alan Richardson.

“It seems to be the way things are right now, lots of public sector workers are striking, but it doesn’t make sense why it’s taking so long.

“I don’t have any children so I’m not directly affected by it but I could see why those who are affected might be annoyed by it.”

Isobel Morton

Former teacher Isobel Morton, 86, from Charleston, said: “My opinion – and I taught for 23 years – is that teachers are quite well paid.

“I appreciate the workload is horrendous. I used to start at 8:30am, work right through lunch, then leave school at 4:45pm and take work home with me to finish at night.

Isobel Morton. Image: Alan Richardson.

“Teaching is a calling after all and teachers should have the interests of their children at heart, the children come first.

“But we can’t deny the cost of living and I would like to see them get the increase.”

Strike action continues

Teachers are on strike in Perth and Kinross today, with all schools in the area closed due to the industrial action.

Tomorrow Fife schools will close due to the action, with Angus schools closing on Friday. Dundee schools are likely to close when teachers strike there on February 2.

Teachers are campaigning for a 10% pay rise, having rejected a 5% raise with 6.85% being offered to lowest paid staff.

Previous strikes have already been held in secondary schools and primary schools last week and there was action in December and November last year.

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