Teachers in Glasgow in strike vote over 450 job cuts

Teachers in Glasgow are to vote on striking in a row over controversial job cuts.

The EIS union describes Glasgow City Council’s decision to cut 450 posts over three years as “damaging and dangerous”.

The council axed 172 of those teaching posts this year. The ballot will run until 1 October.

If teachers vote to strike, action could take place after schools return from the half term break. They are also voting on whether to take part in other forms of industrial action short of striking.

Glasgow City Council decided to cut the posts when it set its budget earlier this year.

The move was condemned by the unions and the Glasgow City Parents’ Group, which has held demonstrations over the issue.

A particular concern is over how cutting teacher posts could affect young people with additional support needs or those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A consultative ballot before the summer holidays to gauge the mood of members suggested there would be overwhelming support for a strike.

However, that ballot was not a statutory one, so did not give the union the right to take action. The new ballot will give them that power.

The EIS says the cuts amount to a 10% cut in the number of teaching posts.

Glasgow City Council has stressed that no teachers in permanent jobs would be made redundant.

The job cuts involve teachers on temporary contracts and closing posts which fall vacant.

EIS Glasgow Local Association Secretary Jane Gow said: “The EIS is crystal clear that the loss of jobs vital to education provision in Glasgow will irreparably damage the life chances of many of the city’s young people and most especially those with additional support needs.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all mainstream schools have young people with a wide range of additional support needs,” she added.

Ms Gow said to lose 10% from an already struggling service “must be resisted at all costs”.

Glasgow City Council previously argued that the council had to look at every option for savings but it would do all it can to minimise the impact on schools.

The education budget accounts for more than half the council’s direct expenditure.