The most recent attack on teachers’ conditions of service is encapsulated in the word flexibility. Professor McCormac believes teachers must be more flexible in their approach to every aspect of their employment. Conversely he recommends that employers reduce the flexibility of their approach by, for example, requiring skilled professionals to remain in the school during the pupil day.

This report is, at this stage, simply a report. A series of meeting are being held by MSPs to assist them in determining what action, if any, they should take. The most likely scenario is that the Cabinet Secretary will produce a number of firm proposals which will then be discussed at SNCT. Once agreement is reached, if agreement is reached, changes may be made to teachers’ conditions of service.

SSTA decisions are made by members. You will be consulted on any firm proposals, and regularly during any negotiations that follow. In the meantime existing conditions of service, including the 35 hour working week and the ‘time and place’ provision remain.

Proposed Pension Changes

On Saturday 1 October 2011 the elected representatives of this Association voted unanimously to move immediately to a ballot on industrial action, should any attempt be made to impose changes to teachers’ pensions.

Negotiations are still underway at the UK working group, with meetings planned on a regular basis throughout October and November, with proposals expected sometime in December. Any attempt at industrial action, particularly strike action, before the final proposals are known simply provides ammunition for the Government to attack teachers, and causes teachers to lose salary, thus benefitting employers.Regular member updates will be published on the website and sent to members. The next meeting of the working group will be held on Wednesday 5 October and further information about the current proposal will be available on the website by Monday 10 October. In addition the next issue of the newsletter, due in late October, will contain detailed information about the most current proposals.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the issues discussed in this email please do not hesitate to contact the Association at info@ssta.org.uk.

Yours Sincerely

Ann Ballinger, General Secretary

Margaret Smith, President