Secondaries next to shut as strike continues

ALL of Shetland’s secondary school departments are closed to children today (Wednesday) in the latest national teaching strike.

It comes after most primaries were shut on Tuesday for the same reason.

All primary and nursery departments are open today.

Members of four teaching unions or professional associations have voted to take industrial action this week in an ongoing dispute over pay.

These are the Education Institute for Scotland (EIS), the NASUWT, the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) and the Association of Head Teachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS).

Shetland islands EIS picket #eisunion #SIC pic.twitter.com/0UuGhLbUoI

— J Thomson (@JThomso65334562) January 11, 2023

Unions have previously rejected a five per cent pay offer, with ten per cent their aim.

Last minute talks were held prior to this week’s strike action but no resolution was found.

It came after the Scottish Government’s education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said recent negotiations were “constructive and helpful”.