Glasgow school strikes off after teacher cuts scrapped

The EIS union had argued this would lead to a drop in standards and increased workloads on staff, with a walkout planned for February 20.

However, the union received a letter from SNP councillors pledging to withdraw future planned education cuts, and containing a promise that additional Scottish Government funding will be used to increase the number of teachers working in Glasgow’s schools to 2023 levels.

It's understood that £17m will be found elsewhere to fund the reversal.

Read More:

• Council facing calls for 'honesty' over multi-million pound education cuts

• Nursery provision and additional support staff threatened by new Glasgow council cuts

• Council facing calls for 'honesty' over multi-million pound education cuts

Glasgow EIS Local Association Secretary Jane Gow said: “Following a positive meeting with Councillors, and the receipt of an offer letter from the Council’s SNP group, Glasgow EIS has taken the decision to suspend our planned strike action on the 20th of February.

"The offer discussed in our recent meeting, and outlined in the subsequent letter, represent a strong result for Glasgow EIS members and the young people in our schools, with a promise to withdraw future planned cuts and a pledge to utilise additional Scottish Government funding to employ more teachers in Glasgow.

"While the offer is not yet binding, and still has to pass through the full processes of Council and be confirmed in next week’s budget, the EIS is suspending strike action as an act of good faith while this process continues to its conclusion. As ever, the EIS will be paying close attention to ensure that the promises outlined in the letter become hard and fast commitments.”

EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said: “Glasgow EIS members have secured a significant victory in their campaign against education cuts. It is through working collectively, and working in partnership with Glasgow parent groups, that our members in Glasgow have secured a political commitment to stop the cuts and a pledge that will increase the number of teachers working in the city’s schools. By standing together, standing firm and by delivering a resounding 95% vote in favour of taking strike action, EIS members in Glasgow have taken a huge step closer to securing a better future for education in Glasgow, and for the pupils and teachers in the city’s schools.

"In many ways, members in Glasgow have been the standard-bearers for the national EIS Stand Up for Quality Education campaign, which is currently running across the country.

"This campaign will continue to oppose any cuts to education across Scotland, while putting pressure on politicians to deliver a better deal for our schools, teachers and young people. Glasgow EIS Local Association has shown the way, and demonstrated the power of acting collectively to overcome damaging threats to our education system.

"The EIS, both nationally and at local level in Scotland’s 32 council areas, will continue to keep a watchful eye on Scottish Government and local authority spending commitments on education, and stands ready to do all that it can to Stand Up for Quality Education for all young people across the country.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “We have been notified by the EIS that next week’s industrial action has been suspended.

“We are sure that our families will welcome the news that there will be no disruption to learning and teaching.”