The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) is to ballot members on industrial action in the latest move triggered by long-standing concerns over excessive work linked to new exams – particularly National 4 and 5, which have replaced Standard grades.
Larry Flanagan, EIS general secretary, said the decision to issue a ballot stemmed from the “increasingly severe workload pressure” facing secondary teachers.
He said: “The introduction of new qualifications has, at times, been rushed and has also been significantly under-resourced and the demands placed on teachers as a result have been both excessive and unsustainable with serious implications for health and wellbeing.
“Significant pressure has also been placed on pupils both as the result of the changing qualifications system and due to continuing over-assessment in order to meet requirements of the SQA. The clear message from members is that enough is enough.”
A Scottish government spokesman said officials were already working with the EIS to tackle workload issues and cut unnecessary paperwork in schools. The EIS should continue to channel its concerns via the on-going group discussions rather than industrial action, he added.
“Industrial action would not be in the interests of anyone, least of all pupils and parents. We are committed to making sure councils have the right number and highest quality of teachers in our schools, which is why we have offered councils £51 million to safeguard teaching posts.”
Cosla, which represents local authorities, also expressed disappointment.
A spokesman said: “No sooner do we get pay negotiations agreed than we hear the EIS is balloting for industrial action on something that formed part of that agreed deal.
“We as employers recognise the legitimate concerns of the teacher trade unions regarding bureaucracy and workload and in recent pay negotiations we arrived at a joint statement which all sides agreed would help this problem. We are surprised, therefore, to learn about the ballot in relation to industrial action.”
However, the EIS later said the pay deal had no bearing on this dispute.
The SQA said it had already cut some administrative work arising from the new qualifications. A spokesman said: “We are very conscious that teachers continue to need support to implement the new qualifications.
“That’s why we have worked hard ... to offer the support and materials needed to make the new qualifications a success. That support, engagement and commitment continue.”