Teachers in Scotland Vote to Strike Over Workload Concerns
Teachers in Scotland may initiate strike action before the Holyrood elections in May, as tensions rise over their workload. Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the largest teachers' union in the country, have voted decisively in favor of striking, with 85% of those who participated supporting the move.
The union is calling for a definitive plan from both the Scottish government and local councils to reduce teachers' workload. The union’s executive committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to determine the next steps.
Last year, the Scottish government proposed a "flexible" four-day teaching week for educators. The EIS is pressing for further action, specifically seeking a reduction of the maximum class contact time for individual teachers by 90 minutes.
Earlier this year, the union attempted to secure a mandate for industrial action; however, the turnout was insufficient for the ballot to be legally binding. For a strike to be authorized, at least 50% of union members must participate in the vote.
In the previous ballot, only 46% of members voted, though 86% of those were in favor of striking. In the current ballot, turnout increased to 60%.
The union’s executive committee will review the latest ballot results before deciding on subsequent measures. Potential actions include a strike or alternative measures such as a work-to-rule campaign prior to the May Holyrood elections.
The EIS hopes that the strong strike mandate and the threat of industrial action will expedite resolution of the ongoing dispute.
Union Concerns Over Teachers’ Workload and Class Contact Time
The EIS contends that many teachers are compelled to prepare lessons and mark assignments outside of paid hours, effectively working without compensation. The union advocates for a reduction in the amount of time teachers spend directly with pupils to allow more time for other professional responsibilities during the working week.
Andrea Bradley, the general secretary of the EIS, criticized the Scottish government for not fulfilling commitments to reduce the maximum class contact time from 22.5 hours to 21 hours per week.
"The Scottish government had failed to meet commitments to reduce the maximum class contact time from 22.5 to 21 hours per week," Bradley stated.
Bradley also highlighted that the government’s pledge to recruit 3,500 new teachers has not been realized.
Government Proposals and Union Response
In the previous autumn, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced proposals aimed at alleviating teacher workload. These proposals include the possibility of a four-day teaching week, allowing teachers to spend one day per week on non-classroom duties. Additionally, changes to school opening hours were suggested.
Gilruth remarked at the time:
"The move to a four-day teaching week would really help to lighten the load in terms of workload, but also to create headspace for the teaching profession.
We've come forward with some pragmatic solutions and we very much look forward to engaging with local government and also with the teaching trade unions on securing an agreement to ensure we can improve conditions for teachers."
Despite these proposals, the union insists that any reduction in contact time must not result in students spending less time in class. Instead, the EIS calls for the employment of additional teachers to maintain or improve pupil contact hours.
Ballot Details and Other Unions’ Positions
The recent ballot was conducted prior to the implementation of recent changes in union legislation.
Other major teachers’ unions, including the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), also held strike ballots several months ago but did not achieve sufficient voter turnout to mandate industrial action.
