Dear Colleagues
Today’s SNCT Joint Extended Joint Chairs (SSTA, EIS, COSLA and Government) was a deeply disappointing meeting. No new offer was made by Scottish Government and COSLA, despite both acknowledging the strength of the rejection of the previous offer by teachers in the Consultative Ballot. The union side expressed its anger and frustration at their stance.
We were informed that Government and COSLA are in ongoing discussions around next year’s Scottish Government ‘s budget, including the local government settlement, and they hoped to be in a position to make a fresh offer. The Scottish Budget will be announced on Wednesday 12 December and a meeting of the COSLA leaders is due to be convened on Friday 14 December. It was suggested by Scottish Government and COSLA that this offer could be in the form of a multi-year deal.
Union side made clear that a multi-year deal had not been part of our considerations and that our view is the 10% claim was justified as a single year settlement. The need for a much improved and undifferentiated offer was emphasised and so was the disappearing “negotiating window” of December.
A future meeting of the Extended Joint Chairs has been arranged for Monday 17th December 2018.
The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee are awaiting the outcome of the negotiations and it will then be deciding on the next steps in 2018 Pay Campaign. The SSTA is determined not to allow the 2018 teachers’ pay rise to be delayed much longer and we need to be prepared for the potential for a postal ballot for industrial action. It is essential that we have accurate postal addresses and preferred email addresses. You can update your details with us by completing a form here
Best Wishes,
Seamus Searson
General Secretary
Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association
West End House, West End Place
Edinburgh EH11 2ED
Tel: 0131 313 7300
Website: www.ssta.org.uk