Teachers across six Scottish local authorities are set to walk out later this month in a strike that will force widespread school closures, as a long-running dispute over “excessive” workloads reaches a critical point.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the union representing over 80% of Scotland’s teaching professionals, has confirmed a series of targeted strikes after its members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. The result saw 85% in favour on a 60% turnout, clearing the legal thresholds that had thwarted a previous ballot attempt.
The Core of the Dispute
At the heart of the strike is a campaign to reduce teacher workload and to secure the delivery of a key Scottish National Party manifesto pledge from 2021. The union is demanding a firm, written commitment to cut teachers’ class contact time by 90 minutes per week, from 22.5 hours to 21. The EIS states that teachers have been waiting for this promise to be fulfilled for “five long years,” arguing that staff routinely work beyond contracted hours on preparation and marking.
The dispute has been simmering for more than a year, with a formal dispute declared at the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) in February 2025 after deadlines were missed. Despite recent negotiations, the EIS says it has received “nothing in writing” from the Scottish Government and COSLA – the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities – to guarantee action. They are seeking a “firm and binding commitment, in writing and signed by all parties.”
Confirmed Closures and Wider Action
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest local authority, has confirmed it will close all primary, secondary, and Additional Support Needs (ASL) schools on Wednesday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 24. In a letter to parents seen by the Press Association, interim executive director of education John McGhee said the council had been “left with no alternative” due to the number of teachers expected to strike.
Five other councils are also being targeted by the EIS action, with staggered strike dates. East Renfrewshire and Fife will see closures on Tuesday, March 17 and Monday, March 23. Moray and Perth and Kinross will be affected on Thursday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 25. Dundee’s strikes align with Glasgow’s on March 18 and 24. Family centres in these areas are expected to remain open.
Alongside the full strike days, a period of “action short of a strike” is proposed to begin on Monday, March 16. This could affect activities outside the core school day but is not expected to cause further closures.
Political and Practical Stakes
The Scottish Government has expressed a desire to avert the strikes. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth stated that industrial action would “significantly disrupt children and young people’s learning, particularly in the crucial period leading up to exams,” and pledged she was “determined” to find a resolution with additional investment.
However, COSLA, which represents the council employers, has highlighted financial and practical concerns. Councillor Ricky Bell, COSLA’s resources spokesperson, said local authorities required full funding and assurances that reducing class contact time would positively impact pupils for the plan to be implemented.
The timing of the strikes carries significant weight. They fall within the upcoming Holyrood election campaign period and could disrupt exam revision for senior pupils. The action also underscores broader union demands, including the recruitment of 3,500 additional teachers, tackling zero-hours contracts, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing support for pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN). The EIS notes the proportion of pupils with ASN has risen dramatically, from 5.3% of the school roll in 2007 to 40.5% in 2024, intensifying pressures on staff.
With formal strike notices now submitted, parents across the six authorities are being warned to prepare for disruption. A City of Glasgow Council spokeswoman said that due to the large numbers of teachers potentially taking action, it would not be possible to open schools on strike days, though nursery schools standalone would remain open.
