Teachers and lecturers in Scotland's EIS education union delivered a resounding yes vote in their ballot for action on pensions.
Some 82 percent voted for strikes on a turnout of 54 percent. We will now join the national day of action planned for 30 November.
This will be the first national strike in Scottish education for over 20 years. It is a clear indication of our determination to fight the attack on our pensions.
Teachers are angry at the prospect of paying more, working longer and getting less from their pensions.
Earlier this year EIS leaders forced through a two-year pay freeze and unpopular changes to conditions for schoolteachers.
That deal caused a lot of division in the union. Many members still do not trust the union’s leaders to lead a fight.
But ongoing budget cuts in all education sectors and the spiralling cost of living have left us with little option but to fight.
We should also start organising for further action—and call on the TUC to coordinate more strikes until we win.
• The Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) has voted for strikes by just under 60 percent on a 38 percent turnout.
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