Private school teachers strike over pension row

'Fire & rehire’ fears lead to walk out dispute

- STUART MCFARLANE

Teachers at a private school near Perth took part in a one-day walkout on Wednesday in an ongoing row over proposed changes to pension arrangements.

The industrial action was organised by the EIS union — which represents teachers — after a ballot of members at Craigclowan School approved the move six weeks ago during an independently-run poll.

And the union claims the move is required after the school used letters to urge teachers to give up their occupational teachers’ pension scheme (the STPS) and move to a private pension scheme which it says would be worse than the STPS.

An EIS analysis has said the school’s pension scheme would be the worst in Scotland outside of nearby Glenalmond College, with teaching staff at Craigclowan claimed to be paid around 15 per cent less than other primary teachers employed in the state sector.

Talks designed at averting the dispute have so far failed, with the union saying the school does not recognise any trade unions — prompting the move to walk out earlier this week in an attempt to force the issue.