The ballot has begun with ballot packs being mailed out to members home address on Monday 15 December. Ballot packs will be arriving in the coming days. The ballot can only be legally conducted by post, and it is so important that members return their ballot papers as soon as possible.
For the ballot to be successful a high response is essential. If the thresholds are not met it puts the union in a weaker place in the negotiations with the employers and COSLA. At present the SSTA, the EIS and NASUWT are all conducting a ballot for industrial action, and I am convinced that a united front will bring a just reward.
I would like to encourage you to vote in the ballot and return your vote in the pre-paid envelope. I would like you to encourage all your colleagues to return their ballot papers as soon as possible.
The SSTA has been committed to reaching a suitable agreement through negotiation but to date COSLA has not been prepared to engage in meaningful negotiations. The approach of COSLA and the Scottish Government has necessitated the move towards industrial action.
The SSTA National Executive carefully considered the progress and the unsatisfactory nature of the negotiations on reducing teacher workload and has sanctioned the statutory ballot for industrial action.
It appears that only the threat of action short of strike action and strike action will force the employers to return to the negotiating table with a commitment to reduce teacher workload.
The SSTA is encouraging all members to vote
YES to BOTH questions
