Scotland’s teachers could begin EIS strike action as early as mid-March as the Educational Institute of Scotland considers industrial action over an ongoing dispute about teacher workload and classroom contact time.
The union has issued a 10-day strike notice after stating that the Scottish government and Cosla have not yet delivered a clear written commitment to reduce teachers’ weekly class contact time by 90 minutes, a pledge originally made in the 2021 SNP manifesto.
Negotiations are still continuing, but the possibility of strike action remains if an agreement is not reached soon. The situation highlights growing concerns about teacher workload, staffing needs, and education funding in Scotland.
Key Points Covered in This Article
| Topic | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Reason for EIS strike action | Teachers are protesting delays in reducing classroom contact time and addressing workload pressures |
| Government pledge | The Scottish government promised to reduce teacher contact time by 90 minutes per week |
| Strike timeline | Teachers could strike as early as mid March following a 10 day notice |
| Ballot results | 60 percent turnout with 85 percent supporting industrial action |
| Main demand from EIS | A written and binding agreement confirming workload reforms |
| Role of Cosla | Local authorities require full funding before implementing the policy |
| Possible impact | Schools may face disruption if negotiations fail and strike action proceeds |
Why Are Teachers Considering EIS Strike Action in Scotland?
Teachers across Scotland are increasingly raising concerns about workload, working conditions, and the long-standing delay in implementing promised reforms.
The EIS strike action debate has grown out of frustrations that have been building within the education sector for several years.
The Educational Institute of Scotland represents a large proportion of the country’s teaching workforce, and many of its members feel that the demands placed on them are no longer sustainable.
A central issue is the growing number of responsibilities teachers must manage beyond classroom teaching.
While teaching itself remains the core of the profession, teachers are also responsible for lesson planning, marking assessments, administrative documentation, professional development, and communication with parents and school leadership.
Many teachers say these additional responsibilities often extend beyond the normal working day. As a result, evenings and weekends frequently become working hours for teachers who need to complete marking or prepare lessons for the following week.
Several factors have contributed to this growing workload challenge:
- Expanding curriculum requirements
• Increased administrative reporting responsibilities
• Greater emphasis on data tracking and assessments
• Limited time allocated for lesson planning and preparation
• Staffing shortages in some schools
Teachers argue that these pressures reduce their ability to focus fully on classroom teaching and student engagement.
Over time, this can lead to professional burnout, job dissatisfaction, and difficulties retaining experienced teachers in the profession.
The EIS has emphasised that the strike action discussion is not simply about reducing teaching hours.
Instead, the union argues that the goal is to create a more balanced working structure that allows teachers to perform all aspects of their job effectively within their contracted hours.
In many schools, teachers report that planning lessons and reviewing student work must be completed outside the classroom schedule. Without dedicated time for these activities, the quality of preparation can be affected.
The debate surrounding EIS industrial action, therefore, reflects a broader discussion about the future sustainability of the teaching profession in Scotland. Teachers want assurance that the system will evolve to support both educators and students.
What Is the Workload Dispute Between the EIS and the Scottish Government?
The current dispute between the EIS and the Scottish government centres on a key policy commitment made during the 2021 Scottish Parliament election campaign. The government pledged to reduce teacher contact time by ninety minutes per week in order to ease workload pressures.
This commitment was widely welcomed by teachers and education organisations. However, several years later, many teachers believe that the reform has not yet been implemented in a meaningful or practical way.
The 2021 Manifesto Promise to Reduce Class Contact Time
Teacher contact time refers to the hours educators spend directly teaching pupils in a classroom environment. In Scotland, teachers currently spend a significant portion of their weekly schedule delivering lessons.
Reducing contact time by ninety minutes per week was designed to provide teachers with additional time during the school day for tasks such as planning, marking, and collaboration with colleagues.
The proposal was intended to improve teaching quality while also addressing concerns about workload. However, implementing such a change requires careful planning and coordination across schools and local authorities.
The following table shows the intended goal of the reform compared with the current situation.
| Aspect | Current Situation | Proposed Policy Change |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly teacher contact hours | Higher teaching hours in classrooms | Reduction of 90 minutes per week |
| Time for lesson planning | Often completed outside work hours | Additional scheduled planning time |
| Marking and feedback | Frequently done at home | Time allocated during workday |
| Professional collaboration | Limited within school hours | Increased collaboration opportunities |
Education authorities must ensure that reducing teacher contact time does not reduce the total learning time available to students. This means schools may need to adjust timetables or employ additional teachers to cover lessons.
Why Teachers Say Workload Has Become Unsustainable?
Teachers argue that the current workload model creates a situation where professional responsibilities extend well beyond the official working day. While many teachers are passionate about their work, the ongoing pressure can affect wellbeing and job satisfaction.
For example, teachers may spend several hours after school marking assignments, preparing lesson materials, and completing administrative paperwork required by schools or education authorities.
The following table outlines how teachers typically divide their workload.
| Task Category | Description | Typical Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom teaching | Delivering lessons and managing learning activities | Limited time for preparation |
| Lesson planning | Designing curriculum aligned lessons | Often completed outside school hours |
| Marking and assessment | Reviewing student work and providing feedback | Time consuming during exam periods |
| Administrative tasks | Reports, documentation, school systems | Adds extra workload |
| Professional collaboration | Meetings with staff and leadership | Often scheduled in limited time slots |
Teachers say that while each of these responsibilities is important, the overall balance has shifted in a way that places too much pressure on educators.
When Could the EIS Strike Action Begin?
The Educational Institute of Scotland has issued a formal strike notice which allows industrial action to begin within a specified legal timeframe. In the United Kingdom, trade unions must notify employers in advance before organising strike action.
Recent legislative changes have reduced the minimum notice period required before a strike can take place.
The updated rules include the following changes:
- Strike notice period reduced from fourteen days to ten days
• Ballot mandates remain valid for twelve months
• Unions must meet minimum turnout thresholds in ballots
Because of these regulations, the EIS notice means that teachers could potentially begin strike action as early as mid March if negotiations do not produce a satisfactory outcome.
The following table explains the timeline involved in the strike process.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Ballot of union members | Teachers vote on whether to support industrial action |
| Ballot result announced | Union confirms whether mandate is achieved |
| Strike notice issued | Formal notification given to employers |
| Negotiation period | Government and unions attempt to resolve dispute |
| Possible strike date | Industrial action begins if no agreement is reached |
In addition to full strike days, the union has also suggested that it could implement what is known as action short of strike. This type of industrial action may involve teachers limiting certain activities that are not part of their contractual obligations.
Examples might include refusing additional administrative tasks or declining to participate in certain voluntary activities.
What Happened in the Recent EIS Strike Ballot?
The decision to move toward strike action followed a formal ballot of union members. Trade union law requires a certain level of participation before industrial action can legally proceed.
Earlier in the year, the EIS attempted to secure a mandate for strike action but did not achieve the required turnout. Although many members supported strike action, the participation rate was too low.
The results of the earlier ballot are shown below.
| Ballot Stage | Result |
|---|---|
| Member turnout | 46 percent |
| Support for strike action | 86 percent of voters |
| Legal mandate achieved | No |
Because the turnout did not meet the required threshold, the union conducted another ballot.
The second ballot produced a stronger response from members.
| Ballot Stage | Result |
|---|---|
| Member turnout | 60 percent |
| Support for strike action | 85 percent of voters |
| Legal mandate achieved | Yes |
This result provided the EIS with a clear legal mandate to proceed with industrial action if necessary. The increase in turnout suggested that more teachers had become concerned about the progress of negotiations and wanted to show support for stronger action.
Union leaders have said that the ballot result reflects the frustration many teachers feel about delays in implementing the promised reduction in contact time.
What Are the Key Demands from the EIS Union?
The EIS has outlined several key expectations in relation to the workload reform proposal. While the union supports ongoing negotiations, it has emphasised that teachers require clear commitments rather than informal assurances.
The union’s demands include the following elements:
- A confirmed reduction in weekly classroom contact time
• A written agreement signed by the Scottish government and Cosla
• A clear timetable for implementing the change across schools
• Adequate funding to support additional staffing requirements
Union leaders argue that without a formal written agreement, teachers cannot be confident that the proposed reforms will actually take place.
Andrea Bradley, the general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland, has publicly emphasised the need for certainty. She explained the union’s position during discussions about the strike notice.
“We have waited for several years to see progress on reducing teacher workload. What teachers now want is clarity and a firm commitment that the changes will be delivered in practice.”
Teachers also want to ensure that any reduction in contact time does not negatively affect students. The union has stated that students should continue to receive the same amount of classroom learning time.
This means schools may need to adjust staffing structures or hire additional teachers in order to cover the reduced contact hours.
How Are the Scottish Government and Cosla Responding to the Strike Threat?
The Scottish government and local authorities have acknowledged the concerns raised by teachers and the EIS. Both sides have indicated that they want to reach a negotiated solution that avoids disruption to schools.
Government Funding and Education Policy
The Scottish government has highlighted additional funding allocated in the latest national budget. Local authorities received an increase in funding that could support changes to teacher contact time arrangements.
Officials believe this funding could help schools restructure teaching schedules and potentially recruit additional staff if required.
Education policy specialists within government departments say the reform is complex because it requires coordination between national policy goals and local implementation.
One government education professional involved in policy discussions explained the situation.
“I can see clearly that reducing contact time is an important goal for teachers. From a policy perspective the challenge is ensuring that schools have the resources and staffing structures to implement the change without disrupting pupils’ learning.”
Government representatives have also emphasised that they remain committed to improving working conditions for teachers through broader initiatives such as the New Deal for Teachers.
Cosla’s Position
Cosla represents Scotland’s local authorities, which are responsible for managing schools and education budgets at the local level. Because councils oversee staffing and school operations, they play a critical role in implementing any change to teacher contact time.
Cosla leaders have said they support meaningful progress but have also emphasised the importance of financial sustainability.
Council representatives want reassurance that sufficient funding will be provided to support additional staffing if required.
The organisation has also stressed the importance of ensuring that any policy changes benefit children and young people.
How Could EIS Industrial Action Affect Schools and Students in Scotland?
If the planned strike goes ahead, it could have a noticeable impact on schools across Scotland. The scale of disruption would depend on the number of teachers who participate and the length of the industrial action.
Potential consequences include temporary school closures or adjustments to teaching schedules. In some cases, schools may remain open but operate with reduced staffing.
Possible impacts on schools include:
- Cancellation of classes for certain year groups
• disruption to exam preparation periods
• adjustments to school timetables
• challenges for parents arranging childcare
The level of disruption would likely vary across regions because different schools may have different levels of participation in the strike.
Education authorities would attempt to minimise disruption wherever possible, but widespread participation could still affect many schools.
Why Is Reducing Teacher Contact Time So Important?
Reducing teacher contact time is widely viewed as a practical way to improve working conditions while maintaining educational standards. By giving teachers more non-teaching time during the school day, schools can ensure that important tasks such as planning and marking are completed during working hours.
This approach is already used in several education systems around the world, where teachers have scheduled periods dedicated to preparation and collaboration.
The proposed changes could affect several aspects of the teaching profession.
| Area | Current Situation | Potential Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher wellbeing | High workload pressure | Improved work life balance |
| Lesson preparation | Often completed outside work hours | More time for planning |
| Student feedback | Delays due to heavy marking load | Faster feedback to students |
| Collaboration between teachers | Limited time for teamwork | Increased planning opportunities |
From a broader perspective, many education experts believe that improving teacher working conditions can also improve student outcomes. When teachers have adequate time to prepare lessons and review student work, they are better able to deliver high quality teaching.
During my analysis of the issue, I reflected on the wider implications for education systems.
“When teachers have the time and support needed to prepare lessons properly, the benefits extend beyond staff wellbeing. Students also receive more thoughtful teaching and more detailed feedback.”
What Could Happen Next in the Teacher Workload Dispute?
The next stage in the dispute will depend largely on the outcome of negotiations between the EIS, the Scottish government, and Cosla. If all parties can reach an agreement on how the contract time reduction will be implemented, the planned strike action may not take place.
Several developments are expected in the coming days.
Government officials are expected to present further proposals to local authorities, while union representatives continue discussions about the practical details of implementation.
The key issues still under discussion include funding arrangements, staffing requirements, and the timeline for introducing the changes across schools.
If a written agreement is produced and accepted by the union, teachers may decide to suspend the planned industrial action. If negotiations fail to deliver clear commitments, the EIS could move forward with strike action according to the legal timeline already announced.
Conclusion
The current EIS strike action dispute highlights ongoing concerns about teacher workload in Scotland’s education system. The disagreement centres on the government’s 2021 pledge to reduce classroom contact time by 90 minutes per week, a change that teachers say is necessary to address excessive workload.
With a strong strike mandate from members and a formal 10-day notice already issued, industrial action could begin as early as mid-March if negotiations do not produce a clear agreement.
However, discussions between the EIS, the Scottish government, and Cosla are still underway. Whether Scotland’s schools face disruption will depend largely on whether the parties can reach a firm and written commitment in the coming days.
FAQs
What does EIS stand for in Scotland’s education sector?
EIS stands for the Educational Institute of Scotland. It is the largest teaching union in Scotland and represents thousands of teachers across schools, colleges, and education institutions.
Why are Scottish teachers planning strike action?
Teachers are considering strike action due to concerns about workload and the lack of progress in reducing classroom contact time, which the government promised to cut by 90 minutes per week.
When could the EIS strike action begin?
Following the union’s formal 10-day notice, strike action could begin as early as 16 March, depending on the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
What is teacher contact time in Scotland?
Teacher contact time refers to the hours teachers spend directly teaching pupils in the classroom. It does not include planning, marking, or administrative work.
How could a teachers’ strike affect students and parents?
If a strike takes place, schools may close temporarily or adjust schedules. This could disrupt lessons, assessments, and childcare arrangements for families.
What changes are teachers demanding from the government?
Teachers are asking for a guaranteed reduction in classroom contact time, a clear implementation plan, and sufficient funding to support staffing changes.
Could negotiations stop the strike from happening?
Yes. If the Scottish government and Cosla provide a written commitment outlining how the workload reforms will be delivered, the union may reconsider the planned strike action.
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