{"id":2695,"date":"2024-05-30T09:00:42","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T08:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/jun2024\/?p=2695"},"modified":"2024-06-26T21:17:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T20:17:35","slug":"falkirk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/falkirk\/","title":{"rendered":"Salaries Motions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<\/span><\/span>

Campaigning for a Review of the State Pension Age<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n

30. East Renfrewshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council:
(i) to campaign for an urgent review of the State Pension Age\/Normal
Pension Age link established by the Public Service Pensions Act
2013 given the mortality trends since the coronavirus pandemic,
which have lowered life expectancy when compared with
Government life expectancy forecasts made during the 2015
Scottish Teachers\u2019 Pension Scheme reforms, and
(ii) To campaign for an urgent review of application of the \u201ceconomic
check\u201d in the Scottish Teachers\u2019 Pension Scheme cost control
process established by the Public Service Pensions Act 2013.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Des Morris from East Renfrewshire LA put forward a motion to campaign for an urgent review of the State Pension Age and the economic check within the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Morris highlighted the discrepancies between life expectancy trends and the government forecasts used during the 2015 reforms. “No pension money till 68 cost floor not ceiling being breached we need to campaign with fellow trade unionists across Scotland,” Morris argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike Dolan from West Dumbarton seconded the motion, citing the successful reduction of the pension age for prison officers as an example of effective trade union action. “Changes to pension link can only be done at the UK level and can only be changed by trade union action,” Dolan stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Reduction of Members\u2019 Workload<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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31. East Renfrewshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council to continue to campaign for a significant reduction in members\u2019 workload as part of the Stand Up for Quality Education Campaign, such campaigning to include, but not be limited to, implementation of the Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to reduce class contact time to 21 hours per week and an increase in funding and support for pupils with additional support needs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The AGM saw a strong push for reducing the unsustainable workload levels faced by teachers. Des Morris (East Renfrewshire) highlighted the overwhelming demands on teachers, particularly in light of the increasing number of learners with Additional Support Needs (ASN). \u201cWorkload levels are at unsustainable levels. Glasgow\u2019s poorly thought out proposal to reduce jobs, with 37% of learners having ASN needs, is unacceptable and unsustainable,\u201d Mr Morris stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mick Dolan from West Dunbartonshire seconded the motion, emphasising the core issues that have persisted since 1978, he said, \u201cCore work of preparing and correction are the biggest demands on teachers\u2019 time. Current levels of time for preparation are an absurdity\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Addressing the Increase in Non-Teaching Duties<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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32. Midlothian Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on any increase in non-teaching duties due to the reduction in support staff.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Midlothian delegate Sharon Kidd brought attention to the staggering levels of non-teaching duties expected from teachers. \u201cThe levels of expectation on teachers are staggering. We need a focus on the non-teaching duties due to the reduction in support staffing,\u201d Ms Kidd emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandie Gordon from Midlothian seconded the motion, sharing personal experiences of how the lack of support staff impacts teaching. \u201cMy time is taken up doing jobs previously done by others. Lack of support staff means parents are needed to make school trips safe,\u201d Ms Gordon stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Investigating the Impact of Website Blocking Systems<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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33. Midlothian Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on the impact on teachers’ workload derived from navigating website blocking systems used by some Local Authorities with  specific respect to accessing sources required for assignments.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Will Crichton (Midlothian) proposed a motion to investigate the impact of website blocking systems on teaching and learning. \u201cBlocking systems are causing issues with learning and teaching. Processes to get content unblocked hinder planning,\u201d Mr Crichton explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The motion was seconded by Phil Alexander, also from Midlothian, highlighting the frustration caused by blocked links. \u201cFrequently being told the links are blocked and a need to change the links on the hoof is frustrating and embarrassing,\u201d Mr Alexander remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Survey of Pastoral Care (Guidance) Teachers<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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34. East Renfrewshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council to survey Pastoral Care (Guidance) teachers in Secondary Education, to investigate and report on levels of workload, tasks, responsibilities that cannot be captured in the Job-sizing toolkit, and report findings to Council to inform future campaigning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Andrene Bamford from East Dunbartonshire local association called for a survey to investigate the expanding role of pastoral care (guidance) teachers. \u201cMore and more is being put on the shoulders of those in education. We need a baseline and some evidence. Let\u2019s survey our members,\u201d Ms Bamford urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James McIntyre, (East Dunbartonshire), seconded the motion, emphasising the fundamental role of guidance teachers in schools. \u201cTheir work is fundamental. Duties are difficult to quantify but are essential in school,\u201d Mr McIntyre stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Restoration of Members\u2019 Pay<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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35. East Renfrewshire & West Dunbartonshire<\/strong> Local Associations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council to initiate, develop and implement a campaign to continue restoration of members\u2019 pay, in real terms, to that established by “A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of this campaign, that this AGM instruct Council to issue information to members on how far members’ salaries have declined, in real terms, since implementation of “A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A motion for the restoration of members\u2019 pay to levels established by \u2018A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century\u2019 was proposed by Mick Dolan from West Dunbartonshire. He emphasised the long periods of underinvestment and recent economic challenges. \u201cWe need to combat the narrative that there is no money. We have a long way to go to match the 2015 agreements,\u201d Mr Dolan asserted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Des Morris (East Renfrewshire) seconded the motion, reminding members of the importance of continued action. \u201cWe must not let up the fight for fair pay,\u201d Mr Morris stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Addressing Supply Teacher Pay<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n

36. Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM resolve to instruct council to raise the issue of supply teacher pay at the SNCT as soon as possible, with the aim of achieving full pay from day one of any work undertaken by supply staff.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Phil Pearce from Edinburgh local association highlighted the challenges faced by supply teachers, calling for full pay from day one of any work undertaken. \u201cSupply teaching is a tough gig. System errors impact on pay. Full day\u2019s pay for a full day\u2019s work,\u201d Mr Pearce argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The motion was seconded by Alison Murphy from Edinburgh, who expressed admiration for supply teachers\u2019 resilience. \u201cI am in awe of what our short-term supply teachers do,\u201d Ms Murphy stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span><\/span>

Motion 37<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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37. Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM instruct Council to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. investigate and report on the extent to which implementation of the provisions of Appendix 2.9 Annex A in Part 2 of the SNCT Handbook (Excepted pupils) is resulting in class size maxima, as laid out in the SNCT, being exceeded;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. use the findings of that report to consider whether there is need to campaign for amendments to said appendix and its provisions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Alison Murphy, Edinburgh, moves Motion 37 which deals with the provisions in the SNCT handbook dealing with Excepted Pupils. “We all know that we have classes where the number of pupils is higher than it should be,” she says. Motion carries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Ensuring Long-Term Absence Cover<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    38. Midlothian Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on the levels of provision of long-term absence cover across Local Authorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Amendment EIS-FELA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After “secondary schools” add “and colleges”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Mark Ireland (Midlothian) proposed a motion to ensure adequate cover for long-term absences. \u201cCover for long-term planned absences is not being provided. Councils are not putting in support or cover for these,\u201d Mr Ireland argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In seconding the motion, Sharon Kidd, also from Midlothian, noted the impact on teachers\u2019 non-class contact time. She said, \u201cNo external cover is provided, which impacts our non-class contact time\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Enhancing Maternity Pay and KIT Days<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    39.<\/strong> Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire Local Associations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. the impact of the current maternity pay on teachers\u2019 welfare and living standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. the funding provision made available in each local authority for Keeping In Touch (KIT) days, to match their commitment through the SNCT of \u2018up to 10 days\u2019 while teachers are on maternity leave.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Aisling Clark (Argyll & Bute) brought forward a motion to enhance maternity pay and provision for keeping in touch (KIT) days. \u201cSignificant challenges around maternity pay undermine gender equality. We must advocate for enhanced maternity pay,\u201d Ms Clark emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Laura Minto from West Dunbartonshire seconded the motion, highlighting the importance of KIT days. \u201cKeeping in touch days present a win-win situation but are not core funded,\u201d Ms Minto stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Paid Leave for Fertility Treatment<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      40. Renfrewshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM instruct Salaries Committee to negotiate an addition to SNCT entitlements for teachers who are undergoing fertility treatment to allow them an entitlement to paid leave to attend appointments and to undergo treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Maggie Russell (Renfrewshire) proposed a motion to provide paid leave for fertility treatment. \u201cProvisions in the SNCT need to cover fertility treatment,\u201d Ms Russell argued.
      Heather Hughes (West Lothian) seconded the motion, sharing her personal experience. \u201cI have lived experience of this,\u201d said Ms Hughes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      During the AGM, the debate on the motion to allow teachers to claim time back in lieu for participating in extra-curricular activities was intense. Gavin Cunningham from South Lanarkshire supported the motion, emphasizing the need to protect contractual time. “It’s about protecting the contract. This needs to be enshrined in the SNCT,” Cunningham stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, there was opposition from Phil Pearce, who expressed concerns about the impact on voluntary activities. “I hate volunteerism. If the motion goes through, my ability to say no is diminished,” Pearce argued. Despite the strong support from some members, the motion did not pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Debate on Flexibility of Teachers\u2019 Annual Leave<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      42. Renfrewshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM call on Council to investigate and report on the flexibility of teachers’ annual leave and consider ways that teachers could utilise their leave at a time of their choosing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      The motion to investigate ways to offer more flexibility in teachers\u2019 annual leave sparked a heated discussion. Craig Duffy (Edinburgh) supported the investigation, arguing it was worth exploring potential benefits. \u201cIt is an investigation the motion is asking for. It\u2019s worth investigating to see what\u2019s out there,\u201d Mr Duffy stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Conversely, Craig MacDonald from Edinburgh opposed the motion, fearing it could undermine existing benefits. \u201cThe motion comes from a good place but it\u2019s a bad motion. If you come for my six weeks in the summer, you will have to pry it from my cold dead hands,\u201d Mr MacDonald argued. The motion ultimately did not pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Debate on Reclassification of Computing Science<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      43. Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This AGM resolve to instruct Council to campaign for Computing Science to be reclassified as a practical class within Appendix 2.9 of Part 2 of the SNCT.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      The debate on reclassifying Computing Science as a practical subject was robust, with strong arguments on both sides. Susan Quinn from Glasgow opposed the motion, highlighting existing policies. “We have a campaign in place asking for all subjects to be taught in classes of 20. Slow progress at the SNCT,” Quinn stated. The motion did not pass.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Des Morris from East Renfrewshire LA put forward a motion to campaign for an urgent review of the State Pension Age and the economic check within the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Morris highlighted the discrepancies between life expectancy trends and the government forecasts used during the 2015 reforms. “No pension money till 68 cost floor […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2818,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2695","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2695"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3039,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2695\/revisions\/3039"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}