Why We Are Taking ASOS
EIS Branch Representatives have a key role in supporting the work of the trade union in supporting our members.
In the coming weeks, this may involve targeted strike action and national action short of strike action (ASOS) in pursuit of the dispute on workload and reducing class contact time.
This briefing focuses on the ASOS that all LAs are carrying out.
Our workload dispute centres on the unmet promises of the Scottish Government and COSLA employers. We seek:
- Reduced workload by less contractual weekly class contact time and more time for preparation of learning, teaching and assessment;
- Jobs and job security for many teachers without work.
What our ASOS means for Members
Action Short of Strike (ASOS) encompasses any industrial action, aside from strike action, that does not involve a complete refusal to work. It may be described as a selective refusal to do specified aspects of your work.
Our Members’ Guidance on ASOS is
During ASOS, all of our affected members (i.e. those who have SNCT teacher contracts) are expected to carry out all the ASOS actions.
This includes classroom teachers, Principal Teachers and Deputes/Headteachers – even those teachers who may have a job role focused on one (or more) of the 5 ASOS actions. Industrial action, consisting of ASOS allows teachers to breach their contracts.
Collective participation of all members strengthens the effectiveness of the action. ASOS is strongest when everyone follows it consistently.
Supporting Members - Recommended Branch Actions:
- Read the for members to ensure you are up to date with the nature of the ASOS actions and the FAQs.
- Hold branch meetings as soon as possible to discuss the ASOS activities, and encourage full participation in the action. Invite your LA Secretary, Organiser, or Area Officer too.
- Have organising conversations with all members in your branch about the ASOS actions and either answer their questions (by using the Members’ guidance) or pass on their questions to your LA Secretary.
- Encourage members to behave in a collegiate manner and reinforce the importance of all members taking part in ASOS.
- Remind members of their rights during ASOS:
- They have a legal right to participate in authorised ASOS.
- They cannot be lawfully disciplined or dismissed for taking part in official industrial action.
- Your union will support you if your employer attempts to undermine the action or put pressure on you to breach the ASOS industrial action.
- Stay in touch with your Local Association to keep up to date with any developments on the dispute and ASOS activities, and provide feedback on any recurring questions from members on ASOS.
Where to Get Support
- Local Association Secretary: First point of contact for escalated issues, such as an instruction to breach an ASOS from an employer.
- Website: & .
Please stay informed throughout the week—updates will be issued.
