Message from the General Secretary
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Colleagues
It has been another incredibly busy term for the EIS and doubtless for you in whichever setting you work, endeavouring to deliver quality education for children and young people amidst some very challenging circumstances.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do in support of children and young people, parents, and wider school communities, across Scotland.
Thank you for your continued support of the Stand Up for Quality Education campaign, that aims to bring about increased government investment in Education and thereby better working conditions for teachers and learning conditions for learners.
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As you will know, the current workload ballot is a critical part of the SU4QE campaign and I urge every member who has yet to cast their vote to exercise their democratic right as a trade union member and do so.
Ideally, we would like you to vote YES x 2 for strike action and action short of strike; but at the very least, simply cast your vote to maximise the democratic function of the ballot.
Every single vote counts.
As we approach the festive break, I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish you a very merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a good rest!
2026 promises to be another intense year of campaigning for the much-needed and long-promised improvements in the working conditions of Scotland’s teachers and the learning conditions of our children and young people. I look forward to us pressing forward together and winning together in the New Year!
In festive solidarity
Andrea Bradley
General Secretary
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Workload Ballot - Please Vote
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Ask your rep to arrange a Branch meeting or arrange a visit from your Local Association Secretary, Organiser or Area Officer.
Vote and post your ballot now to reduce the workload of all teachers!
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Violent and Aggressive Behaviour
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As part of our Stand Up For Quality Education campaign, we are campaigning to change the culture around violence and aggression in schools – pressing for a move towards a zero-tolerance approach and better reporting of incidents and support for affected staff.
If violence and aggression is an issue in your school, then contact your local organiser.
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Fighting the Influence of the Far-Right
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The rise of far-right and populism has been in the news a lot recently.
The EIS is committed, together with the wider STUC and the TUC to fighting the influence of the far-right.
Please read our members' briefing on the far-right on our website
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Council Elections 2026/27
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The EIS Council is the principal executive committee of the EIS.
It meets around five times a year, usually in Edinburgh, and also at the AGM.
Nomination forms for all members interested in standing for election to Council for 2026/27 will be available from the MyEIS section of the EIS website.
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Our Voices in Union - EIS Equality and Leadership Weekend School 2026
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30 January (half-day), 31 January, 1 February (half-day)
Building on the work of the first Our Voices in Union programme which ran from 2023 to 2025, the EIS will be hosting Our Voices in Union Weekend School 2026. This is a residential programme which aims to further build the leadership capacity of under-represented groups within their own workplaces, and within the Union.
More information can be found . Any members interested in attending can register for this event.
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Please note that the Weekend School is open to all members who are Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic, LGBT+, disabled, neurodivergent, or below 31 years of age.
At this time, we are especially encouraging members who are not already on Council, or members who are very new to Council, ULA, or FELA Executive to apply. The Weekend School will be operating a waitlist if oversubscribed.
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Every school should have a Health and Safety (H&S) rep. It is an essential role to help make sure that schools are safe and healthy environments for teachers to be in.
H&S reps play a central role in tackling violence in schools, and they have statutory duties.
They are, for example, able to challenge uncomfortable working temperatures, fire risks, issues that cause members stress etc.
Find out more on our training page.
If you're interested, please contact your EIS organiser.
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