Forth Valley secondary schools close for strikes

Another wave of industrial action forces local secondary schools to shut, as staff take to the picket lines.

Secondary schools across the Forth Valley are closed today. 

Members of three trade unions have rejected a pay offer from the Scottish Government.

All local primaries were shut yesterday, due to the pay dispute.

Secondary schools will reopen tomorrow, Thursday 12th January.

Speaking after a meeting between the SNCT, Scottish Government and COSLA on Monday 9th January, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said:

"The SNCT negotiating meeting, held today following a request from teacher unions, did not result in any new pay offer from the Scottish Government and COSLA. This means that strike action planned for Tuesday in primary schools and for Wednesday in secondary schools will proceed as scheduled."

Ms Bradley added:

"It is disappointing, though not surprising, that no new offer was presented today, despite some positive progress in discussions. The union side remains willing to talk, at any time, with a view to reaching a resolution to this dispute. While it is now too late to halt this week’s strike action in schools, we hope that fresh talks may take place later this week to advance discussions towards an improved offer. Only a significantly improved offer from the Scottish Government and COSLA can bring an end to this dispute."