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Heading%22%7D%2C%22clrs%22%3A%7B%22google-font-family%22%3A%22Helvetica%2C sans-serif%22%2C%22font-style%22%3A%22normal%22%2C%22text-transform%22%3A%22none%22%7D%7D%7D”][ffb_param route=”o gen content 0-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q1. The dates for the statutory ballot?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 0-|-accordion accordion content content”]
The statutory ballot will open on Wednesday 26th October and close at 12 noon on Wednesday 16 November 2022.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 1-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q2. Will this statutory ballot authorise strike action in of itself?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 1-|-accordion accordion content content”]
If all of the statutory thresholds are met then the SSTA National Executive Committee can use the mandate to initiate industrial action consisting of strike action.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 2-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q3. What thresholds does the SSTA need to cross in this statutory ballot for strike action?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 2-|-accordion accordion content content”]
There are three thresholds applicable in this statutory ballot. Turnout is key in any statutory ballot.
- We need a majority vote overall for strike action
- We must have 50% turnout, i.e. 50% of those who are sent a ballot paper vote
- We need 40% of total members balloted to vote for strike action (not just those who voted)
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 3-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q4. What will happen if the thresholds are not met?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 3-|-accordion accordion content content”]
There will be no industrial action. SSTA National Executive Committee will meet and discuss the options available which could include conducting another ballot
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 4-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q5. What are the other teacher trade unions doing?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 4-|-accordion accordion content content”]
The other teacher trade unions have also rejected the 5% offer and are carrying out their own statutory ballot.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 5-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q6. Are probationer teachers included?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 5-|-accordion accordion content content”]Yes, since probationers are Local Authority employees, and their pay is determined by the SNCT[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 6-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q7. Will the strike action affect my completion of the Teacher Induction Scheme? (i.e. probationary year?)[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 6-|-accordion accordion content content”]
It should not do so; if there is a risk that it will, members are asked to contact the SSTA HQ for advice be emailing info@ssta.org.uk
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 7-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q8. Are independent schools covered in the statutory ballot?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 7-|-accordion accordion content content”]
No. Whilst many independent schools’ teacher salaries track SNCT agreed salaries they are not part of the SNCT collective bargaining arrangements.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 8-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q9. If I join the SSTA after the statutory ballot closes would I be included in the strike mandate – i.e. could I strike and be protected by the SSTA mandate?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 8-|-accordion accordion content content”]
Yes. Any new member would be covered by the strike mandate.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 9-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q10. Could supply teachers be called to “cover” striking colleagues?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 9-|-accordion accordion content content”]
No, if a supply teacher is not balloted but is then offered employment by a Council, perhaps to strike break, then they would actually be covered by the SSTA strike mandate – as they would be equivalent to new members that would be covered by the call to strike.
No SSTA member could be reasonably asked or instructed by a local authority to strike break for another SSTA member
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 10-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q11. Does the SSTA give each school or local authority a list of members’ names?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 10-|-accordion accordion content content”]
No. Only the number of SSTA members per school/workplace
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 11-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q12. Will the SSTA be paying strike pay for every day of strike action?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 11-|-accordion accordion content content”]
No. National strike action cannot be funded as it would be financially unsustainable.
The SSTA maintains a Benevolent Fund which is used to assist members or their families in case of need.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 12-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q13. If I join now or update my details now, will it be too late to receive a ballot paper in the statutory ballot?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 12-|-accordion accordion content content”]
We will be sharing new/updated names and addresses with our balloteer until almost the point at which the ballot closes.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 13-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q14. Will the SSTA know if I have voted?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 13-|-accordion accordion content content”]
No, your vote is confidential.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 14-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q15. What is the position of members who are pregnant, about to adopt or become a surrogate parent?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 14-|-accordion accordion content content”]
Members are asked to contact the SSTA HQ for advice by email info@ssta.org.uk
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 15-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q16. The 5% pay increase the Scottish Government has already offered takes my salary (top of the main scale), into the Scottish Higher Income Tax tier. Does this mean that my entire salary is taxed at 41%?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 15-|-accordion accordion content content”]
No. The Scottish Government sets its own income tax rates and thresholds. For April 2022-March 2023, the Higher Tier starts from £43,633. This means that any salary between £43,633 and £150,000 is taxed at 41%, i.e. only the balance over £43,633. Your salary below £43,633 will continue to be taxed at existing rates.
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 16-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q17. What is the position of members who are about to retire?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 16-|-accordion accordion content content”]
Members are asked to contact the SSTA HQ for advice by email info@ssta.org.uk
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 17-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q18. I have no rep in my school, how can I have a union meeting?[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 17-|-accordion accordion content content”]
Contact SSTA HQ or your District Secretary and they can help setup a meeting
[/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 18-|-accordion accordion title title”]Q19. I am not sure my details are up to date? [/ffb_param][ffb_param route=”o gen content 18-|-accordion accordion content content”]
Complete a form at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails to ensure that we have your correct details.
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