A UNION is asking teachers whether they would strike over accusations Glasgow City Council is not protecting staff health.

The Glasgow Local Association of the EIS says education bosses are not doing all they can to ensure the safety of teachers in the city.

The union has asked for remote learning to be in place before and after the Christmas holidays to extend time out of school from December 18 to January 11.

This would minimise staff and pupil contacts before the five day period for festive bubbles and give 14 days, the maximum time it takes for coronavirus symptoms to show before the return to school.

But Glasgow City Council has declined to implement this change.

Susan Quinn, EIS Glasgow Local Secretary, said: "The EIS has tried to work with the employer on ensuring safe workplaces since the beginning of the pandemic.

"Our members care deeply about the education and safety of Glasgow’s children and young people.

Glasgow Times: Susan Quinn Picture: Mark MainzSusan Quinn Picture: Mark Mainz

"That is why they know that schools and educational establishments should not remain open at all costs.

"We have simply asked the council to consider moving to remote learning for a few days before and after the Christmas holidays, which it is within their power to do, and to outline their triggers and plans for remote and blended learning.

"The council have, so far, refused on both accounts.

"We want to get an outcome which ensures the safety of our members in order that they can continue to provide quality and nurturing education."

In a response to the EIS, seen by the Glasgow Times, executive director of education Maureen McKenna disputed the suggestions schools would remain open at all costs.

She wrote: "There should be no move to blended or remote learning unless this is based on local public health advice, following an outbreak involving a school or where the local authority judges it is not safe to open the school physically, for example due to a shortage of staff.

"We have taken the decision to close schools and nurseries during the pandemic where we judge it not to be safe. We do not have a policy of staying open at all costs."

Susan said teachers are reporting feeling exhausted and anxious about remaining in class until December 22 when school finishes for the Christmas holidays.

She said there are concerns that physical distancing is not effective in schools as it is 'very difficult' to implement.

And she added that ventilation, another attempt to mitigate Covid-19 transmission, is proving increasingly difficult in winter as temperatures plummet.

The union is also asking for the specific conditions that would prompt education bosses to move to blended learning, if at all.

The EIS has now opened a consultative ballot, open until Monday at noon, for teaching staff, asking if they would support strike action.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “We are committed to working with our staff and professional associations to make our schools and nurseries as safe as possible during these challenging times and in the midst of the ongoing global pandemic.”

But the EIS claims the council has failed to consider moves to blended or remote learning as a consequence of schools operating in a Level Four area of COVID restrictions.

The ballot states that the Local Association believes this to be indicative of the council failing to fully exercise its duty of care to staff.

The ballot has gone to all EIS members employed by Glasgow City Council - across early years, primary and secondary schools.

Members are being consulted on whether the Local Association should declare a formal trade dispute with the employer.

The Local Association Executive is recommending that teachers vote ‘Yes’ in the ballot.

If there is a mandate to declare a dispute with the employer, this declaration will be made before the EIS decide on issuing a further consultative ballot on industrial action.