11 pictures as Scottish teachers take strike action
Teachers in both South Ayrshire and Edinburgh are taking strike action on Wednesday – as the 16-day programme of strike action being staged by the union reaches its halfway point.
It comes amid an increasingly entrenched dispute over pay, with unions claiming that the Scottish Government and councils “have little or no interest” in finding the funding required to resolve the matter.
The current offer on the table would see most teachers receive a 5% pay increase, though some lower paid members of staff would get a 6.85% rise.
Teachers have rejected this, with the EIS demanding a 10% rise. However, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted there is a “gap” between what teachers are demanding and “what is affordable”.
Teachers have rejected this, with the EIS demanding a 10% rise. However, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted there is a “gap” between what teachers are demanding and “what is affordable”.
5. Ella Limardi, 5, joins striking teachers from the EIS along with a four legged striker
Ella Limardi, 5, joins striking teachers from the EIS to gather on the anniversary of Robert Burns' birth in 1759 outside the cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire, where he was born, as a rolling programme of regional action reaches its halfway point, with teachers in both South Ayrshire and Edinburgh taking strike action in a dispute over pay. Photo: Andrew Milligan
6. People gather at the Mound in central Edinburgh
The current offer on the table would see most teachers receive a 5% pay increase, though some lower paid members of staff would get a 6.85% rise. Photo: Jane Barlow
7. Kate Limardi with her daughter Ella
Kate Limardi with her daughter Ella, joins striking teachers from the EIS to gather on the anniversary of Robert Burns' birth in 1759 outside the cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire, where he was born, as a rolling programme of regional action reaches its halfway point, with teachers in both South Ayrshire and Edinburgh taking strike action in a dispute over pay. Photo: Andrew Milligan
8. Kate Limardi with her daughter Ella, joins striking teachers from the EIS in Alloway, Ayrshire
Scottish Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Strikes in our schools are in no one’s interest – including for pupils, parents and carers who have already had to deal with significant disruption over the past three years. “I continue to urge teaching unions to reconsider current industrial action while talks are ongoing.” Photo: Andrew Milligan