Secondary school teachers reject latest pay offer as 70% back strike action

The latest pay offer made to secondary teaching staff has been rejected by the union, with 70% of members prepared to take strike action.

Around 80% of teachers represented by the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) have rejected a proposed 5% pay increase offer from local council body COSLA.

The union, which represents more than 6,500 secondary school teachers, conducted a survey which found that 70% of its members are prepared to take strike action in pursuit of a “realistic” deal.

It follows industrial action by a host of public sector workers including in waste and rail services.

Seamus Searson, the SSTA General Secretary, has said the latest pay offer to teachers “adds insult to injury” and has urged the Scottish Government to make improved terms.

He said: “SSTA members have given everything in the last number of years to keep education going and to ensure that all young people did not lose out during these difficult times.

“Teachers are walking away from the job because of the excessive workload and a poor pay offer only adds insult to injury”.

“The Scottish Government must step up to the plate and be prepared to put in place a pay offer that will retain teachers and recognise their tremendous efforts over the last few years.

“Teachers are already struggling to keep schools running with morale very low and COSLA’s disparaging pay offer only adds to their feeling of being grossly undervalued”.

Paul Cochrane, SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Convenor, said: “Pay negotiating has repeatedly delayed to the detriment of teacher health and wellbeing. The SSTA members have comprehensively indicated that they are prepared to take strike action”.

“The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee has rejected the latest offer and is now moving to a consultative ballot of all members as the next step in our pay campaign. Enough is Enough!”

The SSTA consultative ballot will be issued to members by email on Friday, September 16

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.