by Lucy Ashton
Strike action by teachers has been averted after an agreement was reached on reducing class contact time.
The Scottish Government said that a weekly reduction of 90 minutes will be introduced on a phased basis, with primary school teachers and those working in special schools benefiting from August 2027.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) had threatened strike action which would have seen schools in some areas close if an agreement was not reached.
The deal was agreed by the Scottish Government and the EIS earlier this week and was ratified by Cosla during a meeting on Friday.
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “The EIS is extremely pleased that a negotiated outcome, which has been approved by all sides, has now been achieved in this long-running dispute.
“This agreement will have a positive impact on teacher workload and will help to create more jobs for the many newly and recently qualified teachers currently seeking secure employment in schools across Scotland.
“It will deliver more teachers into our schools, with a positive impact on teacher workload and the creation of an improved learning environment and experience for pupils.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, left, said: “This is a significant milestone for Scotland’s teaching profession. I am delighted that we have been able to reach a deal that works for teachers, parties in local government and most importantly our children and young people.
“I want to thank the EIS in particular for their constructive engagement and dialogue. This deal shows what can be achieved when we all work together in the interests of children and teachers.
“Avoiding industrial action was essential – particularly at this critical time when pupils are preparing for their exams. This agreement ensures that any potential disruption to their learning has been averted.
“This is a landmark investment in the teaching profession and in the quality of education that every child and young person in Scotland deserves.”
Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Paul O’Kane said “No-one wanted the SNP’s incompetence to lead to strikes chaos in our schools so this agreement is welcome.
“However, once again John Swinney and the SNP refused to honour their own promises to teachers until they were forced and as a result Councils are sounding the alarm about being able to deliver within the timescales.
“The SNP must deliver on its promises in full, ensure that and Councils and schools aren’t shortchanged, and work with them to address significant ongoing recruitment issues.
“The truth is this deal just delivers on a promise that was made five years ago – much more still needs to be done to support teachers and address the chaos in our schools.
“Violence is still rife in our schools, ASN provision is still stretched to breaking point and our education system has still fallen down the international league tables.
“The only way to truly end the SNP’s mismanagement of our education system is by getting rid of this failing government and electing a Scottish Labour government that will fix the SNP’s mess and build an education system that works for teachers, pupils and parents.”
Responding to the Educational Institute of Scotland calling off strike action, Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP said: “Teachers should never have been pushed to the cusp of striking.
“The SNP made this manifesto promise five whole years ago and they have failed to act for five whole years. It has taken the looming election and the threat of strikes in our schools before they finally delivered.
“We need change for the sake of our education and young people.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats will expand pupil support in schools, tackle classroom violence and give every child the best start in life. If you like the sound of that, you should back us on your second, peach, regional ballot paper in May.”
ENDS