First date of Glasgow teacher strikes announced

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) announced that the first day of action will take place on February 20.

This follows a ballot in which 95 per cent of members who voted, voted in favour of striking.

The EIS believes the strike will be strongly supported, leading to the closure of most of Glasgow's schools on that day.

The union has informed Glasgow City Council of the planned strike, which will go ahead unless the council reverses its education cuts.

These cuts have already resulted in the loss of around 300 teaching posts across the city's schools.

Past strike action (Image: PA Media) Andrea Bradley, EIS general secretary, said: "Following the outstanding show of strength from our members in the recent statutory industrial action ballot, where 95 per cent of those voting backed striking, Glasgow’s teachers and associated professionals will be called out on an initial day of strike action in two weeks, on Thursday, February 20.

"EIS members across Glasgow remain resolute and determined to fight these destructive and dangerous cutbacks by the council, which are damaging education provision in Glasgow and causing irreparable harm to the learning experience of thousands of young people in Glasgow’s schools.

"It is not too late for Glasgow City Council to hold their hands up, admit that they have got this very badly wrong, and agree to cancel their programme of deep education cuts.

"Teachers never take strike action lightly, but are determined to stand united to force the council to scrap the cuts.

"This is about the future of education in Glasgow, and protecting the futures of many thousands of young people – both those currently within the Glasgow school system and, also, those that will follow in the years ahead.

"This is a hugely important fight, and one that Glasgow’s teachers – with the support of parents and the wider community – are determined to win."

Jane Gow, EIS Glasgow local association secretary, added: "Plans are already well underway for our first day of strike action on the 20th of February.

"Unless Glasgow City Council makes a very clear commitment to stop the cuts, the EIS will be calling every one of our members within Glasgow’s education system out on strike.

"The council must listen to pupils, parents, carers and teachers, halt its programme of damaging cuts, and re-commit to working with the EIS and Glasgow’s teaching professionals to deliver a better future for all the young people of Glasgow."

Glasgow City Council have been approached for comment