Dear Colleagues,

At the meeting held on 3 March Council agreed to participate in a day of strike action with other public sector unions on 28 March. It was also agreed that we would not take unilateral strike action but would move immediately to a ballot on 'action short of strike action' or work to contract.

As a result of decisions made by other unions that the proposed action will not go ahead, Executive will not call a strike on 28 March. The decision to ballot on a work to contract stands. Ballot papers will be sent out in mid April and all members will receive information about the effects of working to contract.

You may be aware of the report in newspapers that one union decided not to act because they are involved in 'on-going discussions' with the Scottish Government. This Association is also involved in these discussions and the Government have made it very clear that any scheme must have the same cost savings as the UK one. The talks will begin in earnest in the next few weeks and information will be posted on the website as soon as any progress is made. Members will be consulted at all stages of the negotiations.

In the meantime if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at info@ssta.org.uk

A recent article in the Herald commented on the forthcoming ballot

http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/education/teachers-in-pensions-threat.17051955