Teachers in Scotland stage strike after failed negotiations

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - Almost all schools in Scotland will be closed for two days beginning Tuesday after unions representing teachers staged a walkout, demanding an above-inflation pay increase.

Primary schools are closed Tuesday with secondary schools to be shut Wednesday.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently said her government has “no more money” to offer those on industrial action, including teachers, nurses and midwives.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) and the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) rejected a 5% pay increase, arguing that the UK has seen a double-digit inflation rate so the wage increase should be no less than 10%.

The union said teachers will also strike for 16 consecutive days in January and February, with teachers in two districts striking each of the days. The walkout will begin Jan. 16 and last every school day until Feb. 6.

EIS, Scotland’s biggest teaching union, said it hopes a resolution can be reached but scheduled strikes will take as planned.

Following failed talks Monday, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said an acceptable offer is the only way to halt the strikes. "While it is now too late to halt this week's strike action in schools, we hope that fresh talks may take place later this week to advance discussions towards an improved offer. Only a significantly improved offer from the Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) can bring an end to this dispute."