Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy has today called on the Scottish Government to listen to teachers and end the current pay dispute.
Following months of inaction from the Scottish government, teaching unions are continuing industrial action, including the targeting of action in Nicola Sturgeon’s constituency of Glasgow southside.
The strikes are set to take place from 22nd-24th February and 7th-9th March.
Labour has warned that the action could have an adverse impact on exam candidates in those constituencies. Last week, Shadow Education Spokesperson, Michael Marra, wrote to the Scottish Qualifications Authority seeking urgent clarification on how the action will impact exceptional circumstances and appeals and how lost teaching time will be taken into consideration.
The action follows the rejection of a substandard pay offer last week.
Commenting Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP said:
“When it comes to teachers fighting for their working conditions and their pupil’s learning conditions against do-nothing, arrogant SNP ministers, I know which side I am on.
“The SNP have claimed education to be their number one priority, but there is not a shred of evidence to that claim.
“This failure to reach a pay deal is letting down hardworking education staff, families, and pupils.
“Pupils in Glasgow cannot afford any more disruption, particularly in the run-up to exams. This year’s exam candidates are the same young people who had their first few years of high school interrupted by the pandemic, and now they are the first pupils to ever face teacher strikes in Scotland. It is them who are paying the price for SNP’s failures in education.
“The SNP, and the departing first minister, must do a deal and do it now. They should pay teachers what they deserve’
ENDS