Fife schools strike fears ease after talks breakthrough
Fears that schools across Fife could be hit by strike action starting as early as next week, have eased.
The EIS had targeted the region as one of six local authorities for industrial action on Tuesday, March 17 and Monday 23rd in a dispute over pledges on workloads - and Fife Council wrote to parents warning them of “significant disruption” which could lead to schools closing.
In his letter, Donald Macleod, executive director of education, said: “ We are unable to open all our buildings to children and young people, or provide cover across all classes, without sufficient teachers and school leaders.”
It asked schools to review its likely staffing and pledged to inform parents if classes will be cancelled or it has to take the “difficult decision” to shut entire schools.
But the picture eased after the EIS said a draft agreement to end the dispute had been reached. But, it now needs to be formally ratified by local authority body, Cosla, which is scheduled to meet today (Friday). If it is ratified then the strike threat will be removed.
Andrea Bradley, EIS general secretary, said: "We are optimistic that a negotiated outcome to this dispute, which was always the desired aim of the EIS, is now within reach.
"In the meantime, while we await the decision of Cosla leadership, all current plans for the commencement of industrial action will remain in place, and the EIS remains prepared to move ahead with this action of last resort, if forced to do so."
The largest teachers’ union in Scotland had warned of a summer of disruption in its dispute over an SNP manifesto pledge to cut workloads by 90 minutes.
It had asked members to undertake a programme of continuous industrial action short of striking. From March 16 until September 3, unless the dispute is resolved beforehand, teachers will take a series of actions. This includes non-compliance with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) inspection related activities. If inspectors show up, they will ignore the process and simply show a film for an entire lesson.
The union did not spell out its plans in detail., but a letter sent by Fife Council to all parents did - including giving details of strike dates planned for this month.
Donald Macleod, education director, warned: “We are unable to open all our buildings to children and young people, or provide cover across all classes, without sufficient teachers and school leaders.
"Even though some staff may come to work, we’re unlikely to be able to run all our education facilities safely on these days. I know this will be particularly challenging and inconvenient for families.
"I fully appreciate how difficult it is for parents, carers and pupils when we must close some, or all, of our schools and I can only ask for your patience and understanding.”
He added: “Throughout this action our children and young people will continue to have access to a wide range of online learning resources and educational activities, and senior pupils will have work and study they can continue with, on their own, at home. We are currently exploring the provision of school meals on these dates; further information will be provided.”