|
|
A message from the General Secretary
|
Dear Colleague
As we approach the end of another busy academic session, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done in support of the EIS and our members this year.
The work that our Reps do is invaluable to the Union and its importance cannot be underestimated. You should feel proud of all that you have done to assist members individually with issues that have caused them difficulty; and for all that you have done to stand up for quality education; or to fight for the future of Further Education; or to defend standards of provision in our universities.
Because of the efforts of our Reps, the EIS continues to be solid across all sectors of Scottish education. Thank you.
|
|
|
I hope that you enjoy a much-deserved summer break with plenty of time and space to rest and recharge before we continue our work together next session, on behalf of members and in support of quality education as a social good.
In solidarity
Andrea Bradley
General Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
Glasgow City Council Budget Cuts
|
EIS Glasgow are campaigning against cuts proposed that will see 450 teachers’ jobs lost over the next three years, starting with 172 jobs from August. Members in Glasgow returned a consultative ballot for ASOS and Strike Action on the 10th June with 98% voting yes to action short of strike and 90% voting yes for strike action.
|
|
|
They will move to a statutory ballot if negotiations do not move management to consider alternatives. The EIS is clear that these cuts are contrary to the Scottish Government's commitment to increase teacher numbers and the decision must be reconsidered.
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: Please send messages of support to EIS Glasgow @EISGlasgow on X and EIS Glasgow on Facebook
|
|
|
|
|
Campaigning for a Pay Deal and Against Cuts in Scotland’s Colleges
|
EIS FELA members are participating in a further three weeks of strike action as part of an industrial action programme to defend pay. This begun on Tuesday 11th June and will run through to Friday 28th June.
The College sector is part of the public sector, and the current pay offer has elements that are less than the Scottish Government’s public sector pay policy. FE college lecturers have not had a pay increase since August 2021.
|
|
|
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: Please send messages of support to your nearest FELA College Branch.
|
|
|
|
|
Solidarity & Social Justice Conference 2025
|
Save the Date
17 & 18 January 2025
Glasgow – Venue TBC
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: Please highlight to members.
|
|
|
|
|
Academic research on teacher workload
|
The independent academic research on teacher workload, commissioned by the EIS, was launched at AGM earlier this month.
The research shows that workload is a growing problem, with teachers working an average of 46 hours during the target week, 11.39 hours more than their contracted hours.
|
|
|
This was shown to have a huge impact on overall stress levels and job satisfaction. The three activities consuming the most amount of time outside contracted hours are planning and preparing lessons, preparing resources, and marking and feedback for pupils.
These research findings will be used to inform the next steps in the Stand up for Quality Education campaign next term. The full research findings can be found at Teacher Workload Research | SU4QE .
Thanks again to everyone who got involved in this research.
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: Please highlight the research to members.
|
|
|
|
|
We support and train members to become school-based EIS Representatives, this includes Health & Safety and Equalities Reps. The EIS works with the college tutors to deliver TUC accredited Reps’ training. Future training course dates will be published shortly. If you want to learn more, or have recently taken over as a new Rep then please explore our courses.
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: If you are a Rep who wishes to attend training, please contact your LA Secretary to apply for an EIS training course.
|
|
|
|
|
Reach out to New Lecturing Staff in your work
|
Unions are strongest when we have as many members as possible and when they are engaged. Please reach out to any new teachers/lecturers in your workplace and talk to them about EIS membership.
Please also promote EIS membership with any probationer teacher; EIS membership is free for probationers.
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: Reach out and talk with new staff and probationers
|
|
|
|
|
Engagement with EIS Organisers
|
It is important for EIS reps to have two-way communications with their Local Association – to share what is happening in their school and to hear what is happening at the local authority level.
We also have a team of EIS Organisers who support their own Local Associations and College and University branches and who visit branches to discuss our latest campaigns, local campaign issues and to support reps.
Action for Reps and Branch Secretaries: Please engage with your local EIS Organiser and arrange for them to attend a branch meeting if you want support as a Rep.
If you are a school Rep please engage with your Local Association Secretary and attend LA meetings if you can.
|
|
|
|
|
Every year, the EIS sends out hundreds of packages with books to welcome children and young people who are newly arriving in our schools. You can find out more about our existing Welcome Packs here.
This year, we are so pleased to include a book for the very youngest in our education system - ‘Mochara Goes to Nursery’.
|
|
|
The story follows little Mochara on the emotional ups and downs of her first day at nursery and reassures children about what to expect - that it’s okay to be nervous, and that they will have fun and make many new friends.
To celebrate Refugee Week, EIS Ex-President Paula McEwan reads ‘Mochara Goes to Nursery’.
Action for Reps: Please highlight to members.
|
|
|
To unsubscribe email membership@eis.org.uk with the subject line unsubscribe from reps' bulletin.
|
|
|
|
