Schools across Glasgow close as strikes continue

Schools across Glasgow are closing again today, with teachers walking out in the hopes of receiving a ten percent pay rise.

No pay settlement was reached between unions, the government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) last week, when staff went on strike in primary and secondary schools.

Andrea Bradley, a spokeswoman of the EIS union, said: “Scottish teachers have simply had enough. The recent days of strike action have brought the government back to the negotiating table.

“But regrettably, they are yet to bring a single extra penny to the table.

“These additional strike days should hopefully sharpen their minds to offer something meaningful to our members.”

When are the strikes happening?

The union has planned a series of rolling strikes over three weeks, with one-day strikes affecting two different local authorities each day.

Strikes impacting parents

Leanne McGuire, head of Glasgow City Parent’s Group, said: “It’s disappointing to hear no offer has been made. I’m sure lots of families will be worrying.

“The majority of our parents do support the teachers, but that might reduce slightly over the coming months as families feel disruption.

“If you think about disruption through Covid, and now the disruption of these strikes, it almost sends the message to young people that their education isn’t as important as the government says.”

Strikes in nobody's interest

Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA spokesperson for resources, said: “I am pleased that we continue to be in proactive discussions with our trade union and Scottish Government partners as we endeavour to find areas for agreement.

“Strikes in education are in nobody’s interest and all parties are eager to seek a resolution that not only protects the teaching and wider local government workforce, but also our children and young people’s educational experience.

“COSLA leaders are clear that given the financial pressures being faced it remains the case that the 10% ask of the trade unions remains unaffordable and therefore we still remain a distance apart in terms of a settlement.”

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