The SSTA, Scotland’s second largest teachers’ union, will consider a ballot of members in Argyll and Bute on industrial action if the authority’s proposals for the restructuring of promoted posts are not amended. The District’s Strategic Policy Committee meets to consider a paper on restructuring on Monday.

Speaking yesterday in Edinburgh, the SSTA’s General Secretary, David Eaglesham said “The SSTA is aware of attempts by many Scottish authorities to restructure promoted posts in secondary schools. The post-McCrone Agreement is given as the reason but the SSTA rejects any assertion that restructuring is a requirement of the Agreement.

The most unacceptable of the proposals, however, has appeared in Argyll and Bute. This would involve current promoted staff applying for “new” posts. Those staff not successful would be effectively demoted (albeit with conserved salaries). The SSTA will not accept such a situation.

“All local authorities will have to work hard in coming years to recruit qualified and motivated staff to schools. If Argyll and Bute were to adopt their current proposals, the lack of an attractive career path would make it extremely difficult for them to recruit such staff and would hinder education to young people there.”

“It is particularly disappointing to note that the proposals have been pushed through without any negotiations at the Local Negotiating Committee as would be proper.”

Any ballot on industrial action would be authorised by the SSTA Executive which would meet at short notice if required.

In a letter to all Councillors in the authority Mr Eaglesham proposed that the document be withdrawn and that a meeting of the full Council be called to deal with this, if necessary.

Further Information from

David Eaglesham 0777098 8312

26 March 2003