Teacher strikes: Schools in Scotland set to close in dispute over workload
Teachers are set to strike in Scotland later this month in a dispute over workload.
Schools are set to shut later this month after teachers voted to strike over “excessive” workloads. The closures come after the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) formally submitted a 10-day notice of potential industrial action across the country, last week.
With teachers in Scotland gearing up to walk out, Glasgow City Council confirmed in a letter it will have to close all primary, secondary and ASL schools due to the number of staff expected to take part in the strike. The local authority said schools will close on Wednesday March 18 and Tuesday March 24.
Scotland’s largest teaching union is reportedly targeting six local authorities, including Glasgow – the nation’s biggest. The EIS previously said, despite progress being made in negotiations, a firm agreement had not been reached with the Scottish Government and Cosla, the group representingt councils.
In his letter to parents, John McGhee, the interim executive director of education services in Glasgow, said the council has been “left with no alternative” but to shut schools. He added: “I am sorry to have to inform you that due to the number of teachers we anticipate going on strike, we will need to close all primary, secondary and ASL schools on these days.
“Given the uncertainty around which teachers will be on strike we cannot make any commitments in relation to online learning, but if this changes, your child’s school will update you. There will be no impact to our nursery schools, but nursery classes in primary schools will also be closed.”
A City of Glasgow Council spokesperson said: “We have received the EIS strike action notification but understand that talks are ongoing. However, due to the large numbers of our teachers who could potentially be taking industrial action, it will not be possible to open schools to children and young people on strike days.
“We will issue a letter to our families today explaining this and will keep them updated if the situation changes.”