50,000 teachers set to go ahead with industrial action

OVER 50,000 teachers have threatened to press ahead with industrial action over pensions after negotiation talks were postponed by the Scottish Government.

Teaching union EIS has demanded protection from increased pension contributions, which they regard as an austerity tax, and proposals to extend the pension age beyond 65.

They have accused Finance Secretary John Swinney and Education Secretary Mike Russell of “stalling” the negotiations and said their patience “is wearing increasingly thin”.

EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The message to John Swinney and Mike Russell is clear - stop stalling and produce a meaningful offer on pensions, or face a return to industrial action by Scotland’s teachers.”

The Scottish Secondary Teachers Association is backing the stance taken by the EIS, calling on the government to commit to talks.