Wednesday December 16th 2020
Teachers in East Lothian are being urged to support union calls for schools to move to remote learning two days before they close for Christmas this year.
The East Lothian Local Association of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has begun balloting members in a bid for support to lodge a formal trade dispute with East Lothian Council over the issue.
The ballot, which will close on Monday, asks for members’ views on the call to move teaching and learning to remote online platforms.
The local EIS branch said its suggestion of introducing home working from Monday aimed to “protect teachers, school staff, children, and their families from the continuing risk of infection”.
The ballot, which has gone to all EIS members employed by East Lothian Council – across early years, primary and secondary schools – is open until 5pm on Monday.
The Local Association Executive has recommended a ‘Yes’ vote in the ballot.
Gael Gillan, East Lothian Local Association secretary, said: “What we are asking for is both perfectly reasonable and perfectly practicable.
“We feel it would help minimise infection risk.
“During the last four months, our members have well and truly stepped up to the plate, despite the risks to themselves, colleagues, the children in our schools and their families.
“In this season of goodwill, some goodwill from East Lothian Council would be both warmly welcomed and roundly applauded.”
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