The SNCT Teachers’ Side received an Employers’ Side pay offer on 16 June. The proposal was for a two-year settlement, with an undifferentiated 4% increase in the first year and a 3.5% increase in the second year.
At the SNCT Extended Joint Chairs meeting (SSTA and EIS, COSLA and Scottish Government) on 23 June, the Teachers’ Side sought clarification on the offer and raised a number of concerns. These included:
- greater flexibility in the pay figures offered,
- a commitment to a restorative pay element above inflation, and
- the inclusion of an inflation reopener clause.
The Teachers’ Side also made clear that it was not committed to a two-year pay award.
Since then, the SNCT Teachers’ Side has been awaiting a response from COSLA. While it is understood the matter was reported to COSLA Leaders on 25 June, no response has yet been received.
On 27 August, the SNCT Teachers’ Side met and unanimously resolved to reject the 16 June pay offer and seek further negotiations. Each teacher union was asked to confirm the decision overnight to allow a collective response ahead of the COSLA Leaders meeting tomorrow (Friday, 29 August). The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee was consulted and confirmed its support for the rejection. The SNCT Teachers’ Side has today formally confirmed its rejection in writing.
Peter Brandon, SSTA Salaries Convenor, said:
“The opportunity to reach a pay settlement in time for the August settlement date has been wasted. The lack of urgency from the employers to reach agreement shows little respect for the teachers in their employment. I hope negotiations restart quickly and that a settlement is reached soon, allowing the pay increases to reach teachers’ pockets.”