East Ayrshire schools strike: Council confirm industrial action

All secondary school pupils will be affected as teachers take part in industrial action over a pay dispute on Wednesday, December 7.

Schools were also closed last Thursday, November 24 due to a nationwide ballot of teaching Trade Unions resulting in an announcement of industrial action by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and the Association of Heads and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS).

Last week's strike affected primary schools, but early years centres remained open.

At this stage, East Ayrshire Council say they are hopeful that primary schools can run as normal next Wednesday, and plans will be put in place for those eligible for free school meals.

A letter has been issued to parents and carers by Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer and Head of Education to advise that all secondary schools will close for one day.

The letter reads: "I am writing to you following a nationwide ballot of teaching Trade Unions which has resulted in an announcement of industrial action by the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and NASUWT Scotland with the first date of industrial action being set as Wednesday 7th December 2022.

"From the information provided to the council by the teaching trade unions, it is evident that it will not be possible for secondary pupils to attend school on Wednesday 7th December 2022. This will affect all secondary school pupils and all pupils who attend Park School in East Ayrshire. 

"All other ASN establishments and early childhood centres will operate as normal. At this stage, we hope that all primary schools will be able to open.

"We are working with colleagues on arrangements for those pupils who require access to a free school meal and you will be advised of this in due course.

"I am aware that this will cause an inconvenience to many families, but we cannot operate without the required number of teaching staff. I thank you for your understanding at this time."