SCOTTISH primary headteachers have moved closer to strike action over changes to their pensions.
A ballot held by the Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) backed industrial action by nearly 60%. The union’s executive will decide what action to take, but it is likely a one-day strike will be held at the end of the month.
Greg Dempster, general secretary of the AHDS, said the union had never been on strike before and stressed many members were reluctant to disrupt schools – partly explaining the low turnout of just 38% of its 1400 members.
Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, said: “While I agree with their campaign in response to the UK Government proposals for public sector pensions, I don’t agree with their method. Strike action is not in the best interests of pupils or parents.”
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