1st April 2022

EIS Member eBulletin

News and Events

Enjoy your break

With the Spring break / Easter holiday about to start, the EIS wishes all members a well-deserved break!

COVID Update

Members will be aware of the First Minister’s statement in Parliament this week which signalled the end of mandatory Covid guidance from April 18th, with schools set to follow the pattern in broader society. Guidance remains in place re the role of risk assessments, improved ventilation and hygiene regimes, and the need for local consultation on the easing of current mitigations. Read the EIS response here.

On the issue of free provision of LFTs for asymptomatic testing in schools, the Government intends to end this but we continue to protest this decision and you are invited to add your voice to this protest by emailing the Cabinet Secretary for Education. We have argued, also, that even if asymptomatic testing is being withdrawn, free LFTs should remain available so that those with symptoms, especially mild ones, can confirm if they have covid. The current PHS advice to “stay at home” is likely to exacerbate staff absence and increase workload pressures.

On the wearing of face masks in communal areas, the regulation for this practice is being removed but the advice will continue to be that face masks should be worn in busy or crowded areas. The EIS would argue that current practice should remain in place, especially given the high levels of infection being experienced.

Pay Update

Members have voted 80% to 20% to accept the 2021 pay offer, on a 45% turnout.

As was made clear, the Council decision to recommend acceptance was not an endorsement of the merit of the offer but an assessment of where we are, in relation to our ability to take immediate strike action.

The SNCT Teachers’ Panel decided yesterday to accept the offer and COSLA and Scottish Government have been advised of this decision. The 2021/22 pay claim is now settled and members will be receiving increased pay and the one-off payment as soon as Councils are able to make the necessary arrangements. We have asked for early payment to be made given that this is now a year late.

The pay claim for 2022/23 has already been lodged and we are focusing all efforts on achieving a fast and fair settlement.

It took two years to build the Value Education Value Teachers campaign to the critical mass needed to beat Tory anti trade union thresholds and the majority view was that we should settle for last year and start immediately building for the 2022 10% “cost of living” claim, with the intention of being strike ready by October. COSLA has been informed directly that if we do not have an acceptable offer by then, the EIS will be seeking support for industrial action – we will not allow COSLA and Scottish Government to again procrastinate over negotiations – the 2022 claim is due for payment today, April 1st!

Ultimately, it is only the actions of EIS members which can make a difference. We’ve built a winning pay campaign before and we will do so again.

Covid-19 Absences Update

COSLA and Scottish Government have rejected all EIS appeals to maintain the 12 weeks special leave arrangement for those suffering from Covid-19/Long Covid illness. Unfortunately, this means that from 19 April the terms of Circular SNCT/21/84 are no longer in place. The EIS, however, continues to pursue additional leave and support for members suffering from Long Covid within SNCT negotiations.

Arrangements for absences due to Covid infection leading to illness or isolation are currently being agreed and it is hoped that there will be agreement on the period of initial infection/illness not counting against sick pay entitlement and for such absence not to be considered within local absence management procedures. Arrangements should be in place by the beginning of next term.

Cost of Living Demonstration

The Cost of Living Demo takes place this Saturday, 2 April at 1pm in George Square, Glasgow.

We have an extremely serious Cost of Living Crisis that is going to cause huge hardship for millions of households. Ofgem have announced an eye watering 54% rise in energy costs from April. On top of this we have growing inflation, food and petrol prices have risen, national insurance tax will rise from April. Plus there are the usual rises we see

Come along to the demo this Saturday to show your support.

More information

General Secretary Recruitment

Following Larry Flanagan’s recent announcement of his intention to retire from the Institute later this year, Executive have begun the process of appointing a new General Secretary.

The position is being advertised in a number of key publications and online locations and the job particulars and application form are available on our website.

Applications close on 21 April and, following an initial round of interviews which will be undertaken by the Appointments Forum, a Special Meeting of Council will be held on Friday 20th May in order to make the final appointment.

Apply

EIS Local Election Hustings

The EIS will be holding a Hustings event for the 2022 Scottish Local Elections on 28th April at 6:30pm. The event is an opportunity for members to ask questions to representatives of the political parties that were elected to local government about the local issues that affect them.

Representatives from all 5 political parties represented at COSLA will be in attendance where they will be responding to members' questions as well as giving a short speech regarding their party's education policies.

The Hustings will also be an opportunity for the political parties to respond to the EIS demands set out in the EIS Manifesto.

Upcoming Webinars

The EIS will be hosting 2 new webinars after the spring break.

These webinars will be hosted on 26th and 27th of April and we encourage all members to book their places at these informative and engaging events.

0131 225 6244
enquiries@eis.org.uk
46 Moray Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BH
www.eis.org.uk

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