The November meeting of Council, held online to comply with current Scottish Government advice, considered the results of the EIS national survey on COVID safety and agreed the next steps to be taken to help protect EIS members from the spread of the virus.

General Secretary Larry Flanagan updated Council members on a range of COVID-related issues, including the interim results of the survey (which had not yet closed at the time of the meeting). Mr Flanagan highlighted that there had been a significant level of return, the second highest response ever to an EIS survey, providing a clear picture of the range of views held by EIS members on COVID safety.

Following a presentation on the survey, Vice President Heather Hughes and the General Secretary fielded questions from Council members on the results and how these would be used to support future EIS policy.

Ms Hughes said that an organising strategy, approved by the Executive Committee, was designed to help engage members to feel empowered and involved in collective campaigning on health and safety matters related to COVID safety. Ms Hughes said it was essential for members to remember that “we are all the union and, in order to achieve our aims, we must stand together.”

Jennifer Gaffney (South Lanarkshire) raised the issue of the COVID vaccine. “Teachers aren’t even in phase 2 of the vaccine programme in Scotland. If it is a case of schools have to stay open, then surely teachers should be high up on the vaccine list.”

The General Secretary responded, “I think that’s true. If there’s a challenge around schools staying open, they should be vaccinating teachers. They are currently looking at rolling out mass testing in schools which I think would be welcome.”

On the issue of members’ willingness to take industrial action, Andrew Fullwood (Glasgow) said, “I was looking at the figures and I thought the numbers were quite significantly high in favour of strike action. While the Trade Union Act thresholds are there for us to be aware of, I don’t think we should be afraid or put off by them.”

The Vice President commented, “We are looking to create pressure in the Council areas at level 4. We must engage the membership by organising – we have to build the campaign, build the grievance and give our support to members in those areas and those schools where the need is greatest.”

Nicola Fisher (Glasgow) raised a concern about rising levels of infection amongst pupils and teachers, based on information published by the Scottish Government.

Mr Flanagan said, “The data that is being used in the SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) report primarily relates to the first 7-8 weeks of schools being open and the SAGE scientists themselves will tell you there has been a surge in infections throughout October and November. The argument SAGE would make is these are community infections affecting the school.”

Andrene Bamford (East Dunbartonshire) asked if advice would be issued to offer guidance on how to raise a grievance at branch level, where members have concerns over health and safety in their school. The General Secretary replied that this was being actioned, and that advice would be issued to Reps.

Following a lengthy discussion, and a number of textual amendments, Council then agreed the COVID policy framework as the basis for future EIS support for members.

Executive Committee

Vice President Heather Hughes advised Council on staffing changes, including the imminent retirement of EIS HQ staff member Emily Kemp following 46 years of service to the EIS – Ms Hughes wished Emily a very long and happy retirement, on behalf of Executive and Council.

Education Committee

Convener Susan Quinn updated Council on a wide range of matters related to Blended Learning guidance, SQA qualifications, GTCS registration for Lecturers and Instrumental Music Teachers, and Professional Learning. Ms Quinn also advised Council that the Committee had approved the establishment of an Early Years Network, to feed into and support the work the EIS continues to undertake in defending the role of teachers in Early Years settings.

Employment Relations Committee

Convener David Baxter updated Council on legal affairs and benevolent matters, saying that 19 legal cases had been considered and £76,500 received in settlements on behalf of 2 members.

Mr Baxter also told Council that the committee had approved a paper for LA Secretaries which sets out 10 key priorities for local negotiating committees regarding heating and ventilation. “Striking an appropriate balance of ventilation and heat is a complex problem that requires multifaceted solutions”, he said.

Equality Committee

Convener Nicola Fisher told Council that the initial online Equality taster training sessions were now available on the EIS website – initially for school-based members, with training for FE and HE members currently in development.

Ms Fisher advised Council that Equality Reps’ Training was currently underway with 12 members participating in the training. She also reported on the recent formal launch of the EIS PACT programme, which had happened during Challenge Poverty Week.

Salaries Committee

Convener Des Morris told Council that the business at the last Salaries Committee meeting was the formulation of the pay claim for 2021. It had been an extremely long meeting, with contributions from all members of the committee.

Mr Morris said that the Pay-claim will argue for a salary increase of 3-5% and will make a strong narrative case to support this claim.

The claim will argue need for continuing restoration of salaries, and for reward for teachers who have worked flat out throughout the pandemic – often, at personal risk.

Mr Morris acknowledged that there is pressure on public finances at present, caused by the pandemic – but said that there is also huge pressure on teachers who find themselves teaching in schools during that pandemic.

On the morning of Council, the Westminster Government announced a pay freeze for public sector workers in England. While this does not directly impact on Scotland, it is significant – but the EIS will continue to pursue a fair pay settlement for Scotland’s teachers.