Proposed strikes in Scottish schools have been called off after an agreement was reached with the trade union.
The EIS last week issued 10 day notice of its intent to take industrial action, with officials saying there has not been action to tackle “excessive” workloads.
That raised the prospect of a potential strike in April or May, in the run-up to exams and ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections.
On Wednesday though the union said planned action could be averted after a deal was reached with the Scottish Government, depending on agreement from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
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On Friday the body approved the draft agreement, which will now pass to the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for formal approval and implementation.
The EIS said the agreement will deliver the promised 90-minute per week reduction in the maximum class contact time for teachers as a means to tackling excessive teacher workload and to provide more time for teachers to undertake important areas of activity such as the preparation and correction of pupil work.
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.
"This is a positive outcome for Scottish education, and for teachers and pupils. 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.
“It is the collective strength of Scotland’s teachers, working through the EIS, that has delivered this positive outcome. We are extremely pleased that both the Scottish Government and COSLA have listened to the very clear message that was sent by EIS members, and have now agreed the way forward on these positive changes for Scottish education.
"This agreement will help to deliver a brighter future for our schools, and for all teachers and pupils across Scotland.”
The Scottish Government has committed to meeting the full cost of implementing this agreement, including £40 million in 2026-27 for the recruitment of additional teachers required to deliver the change. Further funding to support this deal will be provided from 2027-28. An additional recurring investment of £1 million will be made to support rural and island communities that face challenges in recruiting teachers.
This budget will be based on modelling developed jointly with COSLA and refined using up-to-date demographic forecasting, census data, and pay and non-pay cost data.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth 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.
"By giving teachers more protected time, we are taking meaningful action to reduce workload and stress, supporting a healthier, more sustainable teaching profession that will deliver better outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.
"This is a landmark investment in the teaching profession and in the quality of education that every child and young person in Scotland deserves."
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