Teachers on the Brink: Are Strike Ballots the Key to Workload Relief?

Strike ballots from two significant teaching unions, the EIS and NASUWT, are about to reveal whether teachers in Scotland will take industrial action over longstanding concerns about their workload. The EIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, is contemplating its next moves after ballot results later today. Both unions have expressed their demand for reduced teaching hours, aiming to lower the weekly contact time from 22.5 to 21 hours, in accordance with SNP manifesto pledges.

While the Scottish government assures its commitment to resolving these issues, including recent proposals to reduce class contact time, union leaders claim progress has stalled, with teachers feeling overworked and uncompensated for additional time spent on preparations and marking. For educators, a cut to 21 hours of classroom time would afford them an extra 1.5 hours weekly to enhance lesson preparation and grading.

The implications of a potential national strike by EIS could lead to school closures across Scotland, sparking concern among government officials as the situation unfolds amidst the upcoming Holyrood elections. Proposed changes to the school working week, such as allowing teachers to spend one day on professional development and extending breaks or altering school hours, are initiatives suggested by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth to demonstrate support for educators and improve the educational environment.

The results of the ballots will determine whether industrial action will commence, though significant hurdles exist in public sector strike regulations requiring a turnout of over 50% and at least 40% support for action from voters. Meanwhile, the SSTA is also seeking member input on similar workload issues, with their voting process continuing into next week.