Teachers may stage second one-day strike over pensions

TEACHERS are to be balloted on whether they want to stage a second strike over changes to their pension plans.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), which represents 55,000 staff, said it would issue ballot papers next week to consult on taking strike action on 28 March.

Last November, teachers belonging to various unions took part in the first national walkout by the profession in Scotland for 25 years. Teachers are unhappy about proposed changes to public sector pensions, which they claim will see them contributing more and working longer.

General secretary Ronnie Smith, who is due to retire in March, said: “Although the Westminster government has made minor changes to its proposals following the national day of action on 30 November, it is clear that the great majority of teachers do not accept the government’s plans for their pensions.

“That is why the EIS, together with a number of like-minded public sector unions, is contemplating further strike action, commencing on 28 March.”

While pension reform is reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government must approve changes that affect teachers north of the Border. Mr Smith said: “Teachers in Scotland have heard nothing from the Scottish Government on its plans for their pensions. Scottish teachers deserve, and expect, better.”