Teachers at Perth private school to strike over pensions dispute

Teachers at a private school are to go on strike after their employer refused to discuss a pensions dispute, their union has said.

Teaching staff represented by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) at Craigclowan School, near Perth, will take strike action on Monday and Tuesday following a decision by school bosses to remove teachers from the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

The union said the employer aims to bring in new pension arrangements through dismissal and re-engagement.

The EIS said it has attempted to speak with the school to find a solution to the dispute, but said their efforts had been rejected and claimed the school would not speak to the union directly.

EIS area officer Dan Thompson said: “This dispute did not arise because teachers are unwilling to talk, it exists because Craigclowan has refused to engage with their union.

“Members have consistently sought dialogue and a negotiated outcome, but management has chosen not to enter discussions.

“That refusal has continued even amid significant leadership changes, including the departure of the head of Craigclowan and the warden at (sister school) Glenalmond.

“In the absence of engagement, members have been left with no option but to take industrial action.”

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley added: “At the heart of this dispute is a refusal by Craigclowan to engage with the union representing most of its teachers.

“Teachers have sought discussion through the proper collective channels, yet the school has declined to negotiate while pressing ahead with imposed changes.

“Fire and rehire is unacceptable, and disputes of this nature should be resolved through dialogue, not unilateral action.

“The EIS remains ready to engage at any time, and we continue to urge Craigclowan to return to the table.”

Craigclowan has been approached for comment.