Talks described as “useful” have been held between Scotland’s largest teachers’ union and the Scottish Government this week.
The update came after teachers walked out of classrooms in Dumfries and Galloway on Tuesday and Wednesday this week with more strike dates announced by the Educational Institute of Scotland.
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley told BBC Reporting Scotland that “both sides are committed to doing what we can to work towards a resolution” after Tuesday’s meeting.
A further 20 days of rolling strike action across Scotland have been announced by the EIS, which is seeking a 10 per cent pay rise – a demand the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) says is unaffordable.
If action goes ahead Dumfries and Galloway primary schools will close on Wednesday, March 29, all schools on Thursday, March 30 and secondary schools on Friday, March 31.
In addition, planned strike action in the ward of Mid Galloway and Wigtown West councillor Katie Hagmann, who is resources spokeswoman for COSLA, will still go ahead on Tuesday.
EIS general secretary, Andrea Bradley, said: “EIS members remain absolutely resolute in their determination to secure a fair pay settlement from the Scottish Government and COSLA.
“This two-day national strike action is a further clear signal that Scotland’s teachers are not prepared to accept the deep real-terms pay cut that is being offered to them.
“I want to thank you very much for what you’re doing and continue to do, to contribute to our Pay Attention campaign. You have stood strong and united in your strike action and in your picket.”
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am pleased to say that progress was made at discussions between the Scottish government, local government and EIS colleagues. All parties showed their willingness to look for compromise.
“I hope an offer can be made this week so this dispute can be resolved without further disruption to children and young people’s education.”
