Scottish teaching unions have unanimously rejected a pay offer made yesterday by council umbrella body Cosla.
The offer of 2 per cent from August 2024, followed by a further 1 per cent in May next year, was dismissed by teaching unions as falling far short of expectations.
‘Significant erosion’ in teachers’ pay
The unions said this afternoon that they were “deeply concerned regarding the significant erosion in the value of teachers’ pay since 2008”. They warned that the window of opportunity for a pay settlement to be agreed in time for the new completion date of 1 August was now closing.
They called for timeous and focused negotiations to ensure that a pay settlement is agreed on time.
In January, the teachers’ side of the tripartite Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) put in a pay claim for 6.5 per cent for teachers across all grades for 2024-25.
Last month, the EIS teaching union hit out at Cosla for lack of progress on teacher pay and for failing to table an offer. The general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association, Seamus Searson, has previously said there was a risk of no deal before Christmas.
Today, Des Morris, SNCT Teachers’ Side joint chair, said the latest offer did “not begin to address the significant decline in the value of Scottish teachers’ pay since 2008”.
‘Clear message’ to councils and government
He added: “Worse than this, had this offer been accepted, the reality is that teachers’ pay would have been eroded further.
“The unanimous rejection of this unsatisfactory offer, by the SNCT Teachers’ Panel, sends a clear message to both Cosla and the Scottish government that commitment and effort will be required to ensure that a pay settlement can be agreed by the 1 August implementation date previously agreed by all parties.
“The SNCT Teachers’ Panel remains committed to swift negotiations. However, it is imperative that any settlement agreed must mark a step forward in restoring the pay of teachers across Scotland.”
Paul Cochrane, salaries and conditions of service Convener for the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA), said. “Unfortunately, despite moving the pay date from April to August and engaging with employers since January, we find that Cosla sees all of these concessions as an opportunity to double down on their delaying tactics.
“At a time when teachers donate an extra day per week for no pay to hold up a broken system, it is particularly galling that our employers still view us as a political pawn in the local government finance negotiating farce.”
Mr Cochrane added: “The SSTA looks forward to negotiations taking place quickly so as to reach a settlement that is a step towards the restoration of teachers pay and will encourage the retention of secondary teachers.”
A Cosla spokesperson said it was “disappointed” the offer - which was “in line with the Scottish government’s public sector pay policy” - had been rejected.
The spokesperson added that Cosla remained “committed to doing the best by our entire workforce, including teachers” but warned cash-strapped councils hands were tied and going any further would mean “job losses and service cuts”.
A Scottish government spokesperson said it “values the hard work that our teaching workforce put in for our learners and we remain absolutely committed to ensuring they receive a fair pay deal”.
The spokesperson added: “Teacher pay is a matter for the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers and talks will continue with unions with a view to reaching an agreement which ensures a sustainable deal for all involved.”
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