Scottish teachers face a tough choice as their union pushes for a vote on strike action to fight crippling workloads. The Educational Institute of Scotland announced this move on October 7, 2025, after years of unfulfilled promises from the government to cut class time.
The decision came from a unanimous vote by the EIS executive committee. It highlights growing frustration over heavy demands that leave educators exhausted and underpaid for extra hours.
Roots of the Teacher Workload Crisis
Teachers in Scotland have dealt with rising pressures for years. The Scottish National Party promised in its 2021 manifesto to lower weekly class contact time to 21 hours. This change aimed to ease the burden and let staff focus on planning and student support.
Yet, four years later, little progress has shown up. A recent EIS survey found nearly half of teachers work an extra full day each week just to stay on top of tasks.1 Many handle marking, meetings, and admin work late into evenings or weekends without overtime pay.
The formal dispute started in February 2025 when no clear plan emerged by a set deadline. Union leaders point to delays between the government and local councils as the main holdup. This has led to thousands of qualified teachers stuck in temporary roles or out of work altogether.
Union Demands and Teacher Struggles
EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley called the workloads unfair, unhealthy, and unsustainable. She noted how these issues harm both personal lives and classroom quality.2
Bradley urged members to back the ballot strongly. She said patience has run out after divine efforts to push for change. The union wants a solid program to reduce contact time and hire more permanent staff.
Here are key concerns raised by the EIS:
- Excessive unpaid overtime to complete daily tasks.
- Lack of permanent contracts for many educators.
- Impact on student learning due to tired teachers.
- Failure to honor the 2021 pledge despite ongoing talks.
This ballot marks an escalation in a long fight. Earlier efforts, like a June 2025 consultative vote, showed strong support for action but did not lead to strikes yet.1
Government and Council Reactions
The Scottish government expressed disappointment over the ballot timing. A spokesperson said constructive discussions continue and they aim to avoid disruption.2 Officials stress commitment to the workload reduction but cite funding and planning challenges.
Cosla, which represents local councils, echoed this view. They noted work on a proposal to meet the pledge and warned that strikes hurt everyone involved, from students to families.2 Councils face budget strains, making quick changes tough amid rising costs across education.
Both sides agree on the need for balance. Recent events, like budget cuts in some areas, add pressure. For instance, a wave of staff reductions in schools earlier this year raised alarms about even heavier loads.3
| Timeline of Key Events in Scottish Teacher Workload Dispute |
|---|
| 2021: SNP manifesto pledges 21-hour class contact time max. |
| February 2025: EIS enters formal dispute over delays. |
| June 2025: Consultative ballot shows support for action. |
| October 7, 2025: EIS executive unanimously approves statutory ballot. |
| Upcoming: Ballot results expected soon, potential strikes if yes. |
This table outlines the main steps, showing how the issue has built over time.
Possible Impacts on Schools and Students
A strike could disrupt classes across Scotland, affecting thousands of pupils. Past actions, like 2022 pay strikes, closed many schools and highlighted education vulnerabilities.4 Parents might face childcare issues, and learning gaps could widen, especially in disadvantaged areas.
On the positive side, the ballot pressures leaders to act fast. Bradley suggested it could be avoided if concrete plans emerge soon. Experts link heavy workloads to broader problems, like widening attainment gaps in Scottish schools.5 Reducing contact time might improve teaching quality and retain talent.
Recent data shows teacher numbers dipped slightly this year, worsening the strain. Logical steps forward include better funding allocation and joint talks to rebuild trust.
Looking Ahead: Ballot and Beyond
The statutory ballot will run soon, giving members a direct say. If approved, strikes could start in weeks, targeting the core issue of workload relief. The EIS calls on the government and Cosla to deliver now and avoid escalation.
This story ties into wider trends, like union pushes in other regions for better conditions. For example, similar workload fights in England and Canada show global educator challenges.6 Scotland’s case could inspire change if resolved well.
Readers, what do you think about this teacher workload ballot? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word on social media to keep the conversation going.
