School strikes cancelled as EIS vote overwhelmingly to accept pay deal

Members of the EIS, Scotland’s biggest teaching union, have voted overwhelmingly to accept the current pay offer proposed by local authority employers and the Scottish Government.

In an online ballot that closed today (Friday 10 March), 90% of those voting opted to accept the pay offer. Turnout in the ballot was 82%. The EIS represents over 80% of Scotland’s teachers at all grades and in all sectors of education.

The Council’s Head of Education, Peter Diamond, said: “This is a significant acceptance of the latest pay offer and is likely to bring an end to the programme of industrial action in our schools.”

The acceptance of this offer will mean that, for most teachers, their pay will increase by 12.3% by next month in comparison to current pay levels. This includes a backdated 7% increase from April 2022, and a 5% increase from this April.

Teachers will also receive a further 2% increase in pay from January next year, with the next pay settlement then scheduled to be negotiated and payable from August 2024 onwards. The total current package will amount to a 14.6% increase in pay for most teachers by January 2024.

Council Leader, James Stockan, added: “I welcome the resolution and acceptance by the EIS of the latest offer which is almost certain to end any further school closures in Orkney as a result of this recent dispute

“There is no question that this uplift will add additional pressures to our budget. The Scottish Government are contributing part of the uplift and Councils are having to find the remainder from their own funding in the current year and next.

“It is vital now that there is a renewed focus on ensuring our children and young people receive the best education possible.”

Members of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) have also voted overwhelmingly to accept the deal. In total 85.3% voted in favour, while 14.7% rejected it.

The AHDS, representing heads and deputes, also intends to accept it.

The NASUWT – which has a very small membership in Orkney - is recommending rejection and is still consulting its members.