Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

Category: Information for Members

  • Pupil and Teacher Workload Out of Control

    Pupil and Teacher Workload Out of Control

    SSTA conducted a survey of members in January 2017 on the changes to National 5 and a further survey in May 2018 following the completion of the new arrangements. 1355 SSTA members responded across all subjects. 87% of teachers saw no reduction in workload as a result of the changes. Teachers also reported a 57% increase in the workload of pupils.

    Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary said

    “The Ministers intention to reduce pupil and teacher workload by removing National 5 Units has resulted in an increase in teacher workload. This was caused by changes to National 5 that included extended papers, new exam papers and new coursework. SSTA said when the changes were introduced in January 2017 that workload was not being reduced but spread to other parts of the qualification process. SSTA has continually sought a focus on teacher professional judgment. However, the changes have led to more ‘sticks to beat teachers with”.

    “The SSTA surveys show the continuing increase in teacher and pupil workload but more worryingly the potential damage we are doing to our pupils. It is those pupils who are in the middle ability range that are being penalised the most having to complete unnecessary additional units. This takes place during a very stressful time for pupils in the run-up to the examinations. The SSTA saw a 57% increase in pupil workload and members saw an increase of 67% in pupil stress”.

    “The Minister’s recent announcement that ‘fallback’ will end in 2019 is not being seen by teachers as a measure to reduce teacher and pupil workload. The drive for statistics has not been tackled, therefore, the requirement for teachers to deliver units for most pupils will continue unabated”.

    “The National Qualification system should assess young people at the appropriate time (when leaving school) and assessing them in an appropriate way (assessing what pupils can do and know, not the work undertaken by the teacher). The drive for statistics to measure how successful the education system is ignoring what is in the best interests of the pupils. We need to appreciate pupil’s hard work and their achievements.  We must put the joy of education and a big pupil smile at the end of a school day as an important factor of education.”

    “SSTA predicted that teacher workload would not be reduced and it would put additional pressure on teachers and pupils. We are creating ‘examination factories’ not places of learning where happiness is seen as a good and valued thing”.

    “Units at National 5 were to be removed but we find that schools and local authorities are demanding they are retained as evidence of work undertaken during the course. The units are an unnecessary burden on both pupils and teachers. The SSTA will be issuing guidance to its members NOT to undertake units as part of their teaching schemes unless the pupil is NOT to be entered for the examination. The ‘belt and braces’ approach to education needs to stop and teacher professional judgement and appropriate presentation must be the only option”.

    “The National Qualification system needs to be reviewed the present system is not working for our pupils. The conflict between broad general education and the senior phase needs to be resolved. National qualifications have become “never mind the quality feel the width”. The situation of National 4 must be addressed urgently and the premise that is a stepping stone to National 5 is simply not justified as the majority of pupils are not progressing to National 5. We need a system that primarily focuses on teacher professional judgement without the workload heavy, bureaucratic and administrative nonsense we have now”.

     

    Changes to National 5 Survey

    The SSTA survey of the proposed changes to National 5 in January 2017 predicted increased workload across all subjects for teachers. (These are shown in black on the attached sheet). The timing of the changes and the lack of preparation time and materials just added to the concerns.

    Following the completion of the National 5 Course in May 2018 the SSTA conducted a survey on the impact of the changes. 1355 SSTA members responded across all subjects. (These are shown in red on the attached sheet).

    The results showed:

    The overall impact on Teacher Workload

    87% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (67% members seeing an increase in workload and a further 20% of members had seen no reduction in workload).

     

    The removal of units

    68% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (34% members seeing an increase in workload and a further 34% of members had seen no reduction in workload)

    • 81% of Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (58% increase and 23% no reduction).
    • 79% Design and Manufacture teachers saw no reduction in workload (42% increase and 37% no reduction)
    • 77% of Chemistry teachers saw no reduction in workload (36% increase and 41% no reduction)
    • 77% of Art and Design teachers saw no reduction in workload (41% increase and 36% no reduction)
    • 63% of History teachers saw no reduction in workload (24% increase and 39% no reduction)

     

    The extending of the exams

    82% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (53% members seeing an increase in workload and a further 29% member had seen no reduction in workload)

    • 97% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (74% increase and 23% no reduction)
    • 95% of Physics teachers saw no reduction in workload (51% increase and 44% no reduction)
    • 93% of History teachers saw no reduction in workload (77% increase 16% no reduction)
    • 88% of Business Management teachers saw no reduction in workload (62% increase and 26% no reduction)
    • 88% of Art and Design teachers saw no reduction in workload (78% increase and 10% no reduction)

     

    The changes to coursework

    73% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (49% seeing an increase in teacher workload with a further 24% seeing no reduction) 

    • 92% Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (80% increase and 12% no reduction)
    • 88% of Chemistry teachers saw no reduction in workload (61% increase and 27% no reduction)
    • 87% Administration and IT teachers saw no reduction in workload (53% increase and 34% no reduction)
    • 83% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (70% increase and 13% no reduction)

     

    New question paper

    72% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (48% seeing an increase in teacher workload with a further 24% seeing no reduction)

    • 91% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (65% increase and 26% no reduction)
    • 89% of Graphics teachers saw no reduction in workload (59% increase and 30% no reduction)
    • 88% RMPS teachers saw no reduction in workload (75% increase and 13% no reduction)
    • 87% of Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (68% increase and 21% no reduction)
    • 81% of History teachers saw no reduction in workload (67% increase and 14% no reduction)

     

     

    New item of coursework

    56% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (40% seeing an increase in teacher workload with a further 16% seeing no reduction)

    • 97% of Administration and IT teachers saw no reduction in workload (78% increase and 19% no reduction)
    • 86% of French teachers saw no reduction in workload (73% increase and 13% no reduction)
    • 82% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (67% increase and 15% no reduction)
    • 69% of Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (57% increase and 12% no reduction)

     

    Impact on pupils

    Pupil Workload – members have seen a 57% increase in pupil workload

    • History 84%, Modern Studies 81%, Woodwork 81%, Music 79%, Design and Manufacture 79%, Computing 74%

     

    Pupil Stress – members have seen a 67% increase in pupil stress

    • History 95%, Woodwork 90%, Modern Languages 89%, RMPS 87%, Modern Studies 84%, French 82%, Computing 81%, Art and Design 77%, Administration and IT 76%, Maths 63%,

     

    Qualification Success –     members are expecting a 28% decrease in qualification success

    • Practical Woodwork 71%, Design and Manufacture 50%, History 47%, Computing 44%, Maths 35%,

     [ends]

    Survey Findings are in the attached PDF. “SSTA Survey – Nat 5 Changes”

                                                                                            

  • SSTA Consultative Ballot – The Members have Spoken

    SSTA Consultative Ballot – The Members have Spoken

    The SSTA conducted a Consultative Ballot on the 2018 Teachers’ Pay Offer. The SSTA Consultative Ballot closed on Tuesday 20 November. The majority of SSTA members participated in the ballot electronically with a small number of members requesting a postal ballot. Ballots were issued to 6,487 members with 4,729 members participating in the ballot. The response rate was 73%. 97% of respondents rejected the offer with only 3% prepared to accept the pay offer.

    Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary said “I congratulate SSTA members across Scotland for a tremendous response in the ballot and giving a resounding rejection of the pay offer. The Government and Employers have underestimated teachers and tried to create division within different grades of teachers. With 97% of respondents rejecting the pay offer is a strong message to the Government as to the feelings of teachers. It is time for Government to return to the negotiating table and treat teachers with respect and seek a meaningful settlement. The SSTA looks forward to productive talks at the negotiating table in the coming days”.

    Kevin Campbell SSTA President added “The SSTA members have spoken. A decisive 97% rejection on a 73% response to the ballot is a credit to SSTA members and their commitment to the restoration of teacher pay levels. Teachers need a sufficient pay rise not only to recruit teachers but more importantly retain those excellent teachers we already have in our schools. Our pupils need highly trained, experienced and committed teachers in every classroom. A substantial pay rise in 2018 would be a fantastic boost to the profession”.

    Seamus Searson added “It needs to be remembered that the Government and COSLA ended negotiations back in October but now they must be prepared to negotiate to avoid an escalation of the dispute and the potential for industrial action. The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee is due to meet on Thursday 29 November to consider the result of the ballot. The Committee will receive the latest news on the negotiations before determining the next step in the SSTA Pay Campaign.”.

    [ENDS]

    Further information from
    Seamus Searson
    General Secretary
    0131 313 7300

  • Backdated Pay Claim by an Employee Leaving Council Service

    Backdated Pay Claim by an Employee Leaving Council Service

    Notes for teachers leaving their current employer prior to the SNCT reaching a pay settlement.

    This only applies to teachers who are retiring, or who are leaving their current job to work for a different authority or employer.

    • Once the SNCT agrees on a pay settlement you will be entitled to backdated pay.
    • Most authorities expect you to write to them and request it.
    • Around the time you leave your employer, print out, complete and send them the attached proforma.
    • It is important to note that there is no need to wait until settlement is reached. In fact, some employers may expect you to make this claim within 3 months of leaving irrespective of the date of settlement.
    • After you send it, make sure you receive an acknowledgement, and keep it safe.
    • Check you receive payment within a few weeks of settlement being reached. This can take up to 2 months depending on payroll deadlines

    If you require further advice, please don’t hesitate to contact a Professional Officer.

    Email: info@ssta.org.uk

    Telephone: 0131 313 7300

    Backdated Pay Claim Proforma

  • SSTA at the Teachers’ Pay Rally in Glasgow 27 October 2018

    SSTA at the Teachers’ Pay Rally in Glasgow 27 October 2018

    The National Teachers’ Pay Rally in Glasgow was a great success with the attendance going far beyond expectation. I would like to thank all members who were able to attend the rally in Glasgow and make the event such a success. I would also like to thank all the members who were unable to make the journey and sent messages of support. The Rally has sent a clear message to Government and COSLA that teachers need to be taken seriously. Well done to all.

    Please see the photographs below of the SSTA members and SSTA banners. There is a link to my contribution (as SSTA General Secretary) to those assembled in George Square in Glasgow.

    The next step of the campaign is for teachers to firmly reject the pay offer in the Consultative Ballot. I cannot emphasis how important it is that all members respond to the ballot. Please encourage all your colleagues to take part in the ballot. Ballot closes on Tuesday 20 November at 12.00 noon.

    Further details on the Consultative Ballot can be found here

    It is time for all teachers to work together and get a pay rise they deserve.

    SSTA STANDING UP FOR TEACHERS’ PAY

     

    Seamus Searson
    General Secretary

  • Consultative Ballot on Pay Offer

    Consultative Ballot on Pay Offer

    The consultative ballot on the 2018 Pay Offer has now closed.  A statement on the results of the ballot will be sent to members this afternoon. – 20 November 2018

    Emails inviting members to take part in the Consultative Ballot on the 2018 Pay Offer were sent out on Tuesday 30th October .  The Consultative Ballot is open until 12pm on Tuesday 20th November 2018.

    The Email invitations have been sent to members ‘preferred’ email address. Members who have not received an email should, in the first instance, check the junk/spam folder of their email account(s).

    If the email is not there, please contact the SSTA office with their preferred email address by phone on 0131 313 7300 or by email info@ssta.org.uk

     

    The SSTA Council met on 6 October and unanimously rejected the divisive nature of the pay offer. The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee agreed to conduct a Consultative Ballot of members after the October break and will be strongly recommending a rejection of the offer.

    The Consultative Ballot will open on Tuesday 30 October and will close on Tuesday 20 November at 12 noon. The Consultative Ballot will be carried out online via the SurveyMonkey website. Invitations will be sent out to members ‘preferred’ email address on the morning of Tuesday 30 October.

    Members who have not received emails regarding the Consultative Ballot should update their details with the SSTA as soon as possible at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails

     

    The SNCT 2018 Pay Claim is a 10% restorative claim for all SNCT Grades

     

    The Damage to Teachers’ Pay and Prospects

     

  • October 2018 – Newsletter

    October 2018 – Newsletter

    The October 2018 SSTA Newsletter is now available for members to download.

    The newsletter contains information on:

    •  2018 Pay Offer
    • Education Bill 2018
    • Dignity and Respect at Work
    • Advice for Probationer Teachers
    • International Council of Education Advisers: Report 2016-2018

     

    The SSTA will be consulting members on the pay offer at the end of October. It is therefore essential that members details are updated and accurate to respond to the pay offer. Members can update their details by completing a form on the SSTA website at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails.

  • National March and Rally – Glasgow, 27th October 2018

    National March and Rally – Glasgow, 27th October 2018

    A National March and Rally will take place on Saturday 27th October in Glasgow.  The SSTA has been working closely with the EIS throughout the pay negotiations and has received an invitation for SSTA to support the pay demonstration in Glasgow. The SSTA National Executive wishes to encourage members to support the rally that meets in Kelvingrove Park, on Saturday 27 October at 11.00am.

    Details

    Assemble: 11.00am Kelvingrove Park Glasgow, March: 11.30am, Rally: George Square

    SSTA Members will be meeting next to the skate park where a limited number of SSTA banners and placards will be available for members.

    All members are encouraged to make their own banners and placards and to bring these along with them to the Demonstration

    There are also poster available for members to download and print themselves should they wish too.  The posters can be found here

     

    ……………………………………………

    If you are intending on going to the rally it would be helpful if you could complete the form below.  It will give us an indication of how many members will be at the rally.

    No Fields Found.

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    Public Transport Routes

    Arrival Station

    Subway Route

    Bus Routes

    Queen Street Station

    Subway from Buchanan St. Station to Kelvinhall. Exit on to Dumbarton Rd and turn left. Walk along Dumbarton Rd, past Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, to Kelvin Way (10-15 min walk). Turn left along Kelvin Way and proceed to assembly point.

    #77 First Glasgow bus from Bath St. Alight on Sauchiehall St opposite Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls & Tennis Centre. Proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    #3 First Glasgow bus from Hope St. Alight as above.

    #2 First Glasgow bus from Hope St. Alight on Argyle St at the stop after Gray St. Turn right down Radnor St and proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    Central Station

    Subway from St. Enoch Station to Kelvinhall. Exit on to Dumbarton Rd and turn left. Walk along Dumbarton Rd, past Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, to Kelvin Way (10-15 min walk). Turn left along Kelvin Way and proceed to assembly point.

    #3 First Glasgow bus from Hope St. Alight on Sauchiehall St opposite Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls & Tennis Centre. Proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    #2 First Glasgow bus from Hope St. Alight on Argyle St at the stop after Gray St. Turn right down Radnor St and proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    #4 / 4A First Glasgow bus from Hope St. Alight at the bottom Of University Avenue, at the Gilmorehill Centre. Proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    Buchanan Bus Station

    Subway from Buchanan St. Station to Kelvinhall. Exit on to Dumbarton Rd and turn left. Walk along Dumbarton Rd, past Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, to Kelvin Way (10-15 min walk). Turn left along Kelvin Way and proceed to assembly point.

    #77 First Glasgow bus from Buchanan St Bus Station (usually Stance 44). Alight on Sauchiehall St opposite Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls & Tennis Centre. Proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    #17 McGill’s bus from Pavilion Theatre. Alight as above.

    Partick Station (low level trains from East or West)

    Subway from Partick Station to Kelvinhall. Exit on to Dumbarton Rd and turn left. Walk along Dumbarton Rd, past Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, to Kelvin Way (10-15 min walk). Turn left along Kelvin Way and proceed to assembly point.

    #3 or #77 First Glasgow buses from Dumbarton Rd. Alight on Sauchiehall St at Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls & Tennis Centre. Proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    #17 McGill’s bus from Dumbarton Rd. Alight on Sauchiehall St opposite Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls & Tennis Centre. Proceed along Kelvin Way to assembly point.

    #2 First Glasgow bus from Dumbarton Rd. Alight on Argyle St after Radnor St. Proceed along Radnor St into Kelvin Way and continue to assembly point.

     

  • General Secretary Report – October 2018

    General Secretary Report – October 2018

    Teachers Pay – April 2018 

    SNCT 2018 Pay Claim submitted on the 8 February

    • 10% restorative claim for all grades SNCT Pay Claim
    • EIS and SSTA are the only negotiators for the Teachers’ Side

    COSLA (employers) offer – 6 September (SNCT REJECTED offer on 18 September)

    • This offer was for 3% across all SNCT grades except those over £80,000 (previous pay offer of 2% for those above £36,500 and 3% for those below).
    • COSLA also supported a Scottish Government proposal to amend the Main Grade Salary Scale by reducing the number of points from 6 to 5 with a higher starting and finishing point
    • SNCT Negotiations Ended – Thursday 4 October

     

    SNCT Career Pathways Committee

    • Moyra Boland of Glasgow University chair of the independent committee established by the SNCT
    • Committee seeking evidence and views from all stakeholders including a teachers’ survey and public meetings
    • The working group is due to submit its report to the SNCT in December 2018.
    • SSTA will be making a formal response by 25 October

     

    Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme Advisory Board – 28 September 2018

    • The scheme has breached the ‘cost cap’ (the way that the cost of pensions is balanced against the value of pension scheme member contributions).
    • The cost cap exists to ensure a fair balance of risks between scheme members and the taxpayer.
    • It takes into account the past and future service costs of all members of the reformed schemes, together with factors such as life expectancy, growth in salaries and career paths
    • Further meeting to take place in the coming weeks

     

    Education Bill June 2018 (deferred)

    • COSLA/Government Agreement included commitments to:
    • Headteachers’ Charter to empower headteachers in the following areas:

    Curriculum, School Improvement (also a review of planning across the system), Staffing (LA still able to intervene), Funding (Headteachers will make decisions on the spending within that delegated budget),

    • Parental and community engagement
    • Pupil participation
    • Regional Improvement Collaboratives (£10m funding announced in Sept)
    • Education Workforce Council consensus on the principle of widening registration to others but significant change should be carefully considered.

    http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/06/8745/downloads

    • Education Scotland are currently conducting LA inspection for ‘empowerment’ in preparation for moving forward with the Headteachers’ Charter

    2019 NIF and Improvement Plan

    • Review to be undertaken – little appetite for change
    • Focus on Health and Well-Being and Early Learning and Childcare
    • Health and Wellbeing Census P5 to S4.Further discussion on S5 and S6
    • Evidence report to become a dashboard to allow further investigation

     

    International Council of Education Advisers (ICEA)

    • ICEA reappointed for a further 2 years
    • Report published June 2018 (19 recommendations) includes:
    • Develop the 4 capacities of CfE
    • Define and gauge the health and wellbeing of young people
    • Continue with the Attainment Challenge Fund
    • Systematic steps to strengthen fairness, inclusion, and equity in education through ongoing investments in excellence
    • An implementation plan for furthering educational improvement with co-ownership and engagement across the system
    • Use of the term Improvement rather than Reform
    • Move towards an empowered and self-improving learning system
    • A collaborative approach to improvement rather than a legislative approach
    • Focus on capacity building
    • Three key policy imperatives for improvement: professional empowerment, responsibility and ownership
    • Collaboration remains the central focus of system improvement
    • Ensure that the RICs are providing additional capacity and have adequate capacity and resources to directly impact on learning and teaching
    • Provide funding and support for RICs to take forward regional pedagogical networks linked to teaching and learning

    https://beta.gov.scot/publications/international-council-education-advisers-report-2016-18/

    • Government response to report due in September
    • Joint meeting with the Scottish Education Council to discuss the ICEA Report and COSLA/Government Agreement also published in June

     

    Scottish Education Council

    • Members by invitation of DFM and includes all six Regional Improvement Collaborative (RIC) Lead Officers and Chief Inspector
    • Notes of June meeting

    https://beta.gov.scot/publications/scottish-education-council-minutes-june-2018/

     

    Education Leaders Forum – 1 October

    • 70 organisations (including public and 3rd sector) – to look at ‘wider issues’
    • Agenda to include:
    • Education Reform – Joint (COSLA) Agreement and ICEA Recommendations
    • National Improvement Framework Review and Improvement Plan for 2019

     

    BGE Benchmarking Tool

    • Meeting with LAs, Headteachers and teachers
    • Not a performance tool – to support dialogue and assist improvement

     

    School Information Dashboard/Parentzone Scotland

    • School information in a wider context – launch 29 August
    • 3 sections – primary, secondary and special schools
    • Using existing data in one place
    • Developing supporting materials to help parents

     

    Strategic Board for Teacher Education (SBTE) – 12 September 2018

     

         Report from the Headteacher Recruitment Working Group

    • Career Pathways and Preparation for Headship – into, within and beyond Headship
    • Support for existing Headteachers – from Local Authorities and Education Scotland
    • Promoting the Role of Headteacher – awareness-raising campaign Autumn 2018
    • Terms, Conditions and Incentives – SNCT impact of potential education reforms

        Report from the Diversity in the Teaching Profession Working Group

    • Closing the awareness gap
    • Attractiveness of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to students from minority ethnic background
    • Effectiveness of university admissions processes in attracting a diverse range of applicant
    • Student placement experiences and support for students
    • Retaining students and teachers from minority backgrounds while supporting promotion at all levels
    • Responsibility of the Education Sector

    Education Policy Conferences

    • Education Scotland organising a national conference on 20 November with 6 regional conferences to follow

     

    STUC General Council

    Research Update

    • Within its strategic priority – the Economy and Industrial Sectors, the General Council agreed to conduct 3 pieces of research:
    • The South of Scotland Economy
    • The Aberdeen / Aberdeenshire Economy
    • The shape and structure of the Construction Industry

     

    First Minister Biannual Meeting – 31 October 2018

    • Agenda – Economy, Scottish Budget, Programme for Government, Fair Work by increasing Collective Bargaining coverage.

     

    Forthcoming Events

     

    Professional Courses (5.30 to 8.00pm)

     

    Understanding Mental Health

    North Ayrshire – September

    Aberdeen – September

     

    Dementia Awareness

    Aberdeen (Northern Hotel, Aberdeen) – Tuesday 6 November

    Glasgow (STUC) –Tuesday 27 November

     

     Tackling Homophobia

    Edinburgh (SSTA) – Wednesday 24 October

    Glasgow (STUC) – Wednesday 5 December

     

    **SSTA seeking additional SUL funding for further courses**

     

     St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March and Rally 24 November 2018

     The theme “Still We Rise: Internationalism, Freedom, Justice”.

    • Assemble at Glasgow Green at 10.30am, march through Glasgow to a rally at Adelaide’s, Bath Street at 12 noon.

     STUC Women’s Conference, Dundee, 29-30 October 2018

     STUC Congress, Dundee, 15-17 April 2019

     SSTA Congress, Crieff, 17-18 May 2019

     

  • Teachers’ Pay 2018 – Update – 5 October 2018

    Teachers’ Pay 2018 – Update – 5 October 2018

    Pay Talks Terminated

    The SNCT Teachers’ Side rejected the pay offer made by the employers (COSLA) on the 18 September. At the meeting of the SNCT Extended Joint Chairs (EIS, SSTA, COSLA and Scottish Government) the Government officials asked if there was the possibility of further negotiations. A range of issues were raised by the union side and another meeting was arranged for 4 October 2018.

    At the meeting on 4 October Government Officials stated that the offer was a ‘fair and generous’ pay offer and there was to be no further offer or any grounds for further negotiation. COSLA confirmed that it was not prepared to find additional funds to help further negotiations. It was quite clear that two/thirds of those at the negotiation table had no intention of further negotiation to address the restoration of teacher pay levels.

    The union side was extremely disappointed (to put it mildly) with this development especially as the offer had been formally rejected on 18 September. The unions had regarded the offer  as being “derisory” in terms of the 3% offer across the board and “divisive” in relation to proposing changes to the main-grade scale whilst leaving promoted scales untouched. This was compounded by the fact that additional money (above the offer to teachers) had been found by the Government for funding both the Police and National Health Service professionals. Together with COSLA finding an additional £10m, from its own resources, to assist their pay offer to other Local Authority Staff only added insult to the disappointment.

     

    The Pay Offer

    The offer was for 3% across all SNCT posts except for those earning £80,000 or above, whose increase would be limited to £1,600 from April 2018. In addition to the 3% pay increase COSLA also supported a Scottish Government proposal to amend the Main Grade Salary Scale by reducing the number of points from 6 to 5 with a higher starting and finishing point. The amendments to the unpromoted teachers’ pay scale would have seen most points on the scale receiving an additional 2% as from August 2018 (a retention measure). In addition, those teachers who would be moving from Point 0 to Point 1 would receive approximately a 10% pay increase (a recruitment measure for approximately 3,000 teachers).

    It was reaffirmed to COSLA and Government officials that the 3% offer doesn’t come close to matching the ambition of the SNCT 10% claim for all members at all grades. The Teachers’ side were clear, also, that changes to only the main grade scale would be divisive. This is effectively a differentiated offer pay and this was not acceptable.

    As the final pay offer has been made SSTA will consult the membership on its views on the offer. The SSTA Salaries Committee has already unanimously rejected the offer, but will be considering the response from the Government and determine the terms of the consultative ballot of its members. The consultative ballot will be conducted when all schools have returned following the October break (more details to follow).

     

    Next Steps

    SSTA will be circulating more detailed information on the pay offer and the implications to ensure members are fully informed before the consultative ballot.

    SSTA School Representatives are encouraged to hold school meetings and discuss the pay offer.

    It is therefore essential that members details are updated and accurate to respond to the pay offer and the possibility of a formal ballot for industrial action. Members can update their details by completing a form on the SSTA website at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails.

    The SSTA has been working closely with the EIS throughout the pay negotiations and has received an invitation for SSTA to support the pay demonstration in Glasgow. The SSTA National Executive wishes to encourage members to support the rally that meets in Kelvingrove Park, on Saturday 27 October at 11.00am (more details to follow).

     

    Remember the SSTA Campaign is Retention, Recruitment and Restoration

  • Teacher Pay Talks Stall – 4 October 2018

    Teacher Pay Talks Stall – 4 October 2018

    Negotiations around the Teachers’ Pay Claim have shuddered to a halt after the Scottish Government and COSLA today refused to consider improvements to their previous offer. The Teachers’ Panel of the SNCT (Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers) had unanimously rejected the offer as being “derisory” in terms of the 10% claim and “divisive” in that it offered unpromoted teachers a slightly better deal than promoted members of the profession.

    The constituent bodies of the teachers’ side will now consider the outcome of today’s talks, with member ballots being likely.

    A spokesperson for the Teachers’ Side said, “We are extremely disappointed that both the Scottish Government and COSLA have rejected the proposals put them by the Teachers’ Side, which would have kept negotiations going, and have opted instead to end discussions. In a week when the Scottish Government found the money to pay upfront a 6.5% pay offer to Scottish Police officers, it now claims to be unable to find any additional money for teachers.”