EIS still to see 'improved pay offer' that could end teachers' strikes in Scotland
A number of strikes have already been held across the country with many more planned after previous talks have failed to end in a deal.
Tuesday 14 February 2023 12:13, UK
Scotland's largest teaching union has said it is yet to receive information of an improved pay offer that is hoped will end further staff strikes.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union has been embroiled in a wage dispute with the Scottish government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) over the past year.
A number of strikes have already been held across the country with many more planned - including targeted action - after previous talks have failed to end in an agreement.
Unions have so far rejected a pay offer which would see most teachers receive a 5% wage rise, although the lowest earners would get an increase of 6.85%.
The Scottish government has continually argued the money is not there to match the union's 10% demand.
'I hope trades union colleagues will take it back to their members'
On Monday, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville claimed teachers would be offered a new "fair and affordable" deal within the next few days.
She added: "If we can get this offer on the table, I hope trade union colleagues will take it back to their members so this dispute can be resolved without further disruption to children and young people's education.
"I would repeat my call to the unions to suspend industrial action while discussions are continuing."
However, EIS said it is yet to receive any information on what the offer looks like and only a "significant improvement" would bring an end to the industrial action across Scotland.
Read more:
Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney constituencies to be hit by 'targeted' teacher strikes
Scotland's teachers 'won't back down' with strike action
Nicola Sturgeon hits out at Tory 'hypocrisy' over teachers' strikes
'We have been here before'
An EIS spokesperson said: "The EIS currently has no information in relation to the detail of the proposed new offer, although we are aware of the recent statements by the Scottish government and COSLA.
"Should a new and improved offer be forthcoming, it would receive appropriate consideration by the EIS Salaries Committee.
"It is important to emphasise that we have been here before.
"If this proposed new offer is a genuine improvement and something that we could realistically put to members, this would be a welcome development.
"If, however, it is simply more tinkering around the edges of the type that we saw in the last offer and if it does not include a significant improvement on the 5% offered previously, this is only likely to further anger teachers and prolong the current dispute."