Union rules out early pay deal

The McCrone Report was wide ranging

Scotland's largest teaching union has ruled out the prospect of an early conclusion of a pay deal with the Scottish Executive.

Education Minister Jack McConnell is due to chair a meeting on Monday at which it was hoped unions, councils and the executive would agree to a three year pay and conditions package for teachers.

The minister has offered 21.5%, but the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) remains unhappy, claiming it has yet to see the fine detail of the pay deal.

McCrone's recommendations

Its salaries committee met on Saturday to examine the minister's offer.

Jack McConnell: "It's a very good deal"

Local councils have said there is still a £120m shortfall in the conditions element of the package to cover, among other things, professional development and recruitment of classroom and admin assistants.

The three parties are attempting to find an agreement for the final implementation of the McCrone committee recommendations on pay and conditions, which Mr McConnell hopes will secure peace in the classroom.

But EIS general secretary Ronnie Smith said after on Saturday there would be no agreement on Monday, even if details of the deal are presented.

He said: "Members are predictably angry that they have been asked to take a decision on an offer about which they have no detail.

'We want assurances'

"There's no prospect of a deal on Monday.

"Even if the detail is on the table, we're not going to scurry about and form a view without giving it proper thought and the consideration it deserves."

Mr Smith said it was important to secure a deal which had the backing of EIS members, rather than accepting what was on offer without due consideration.

Ronnie Smith wants the deal spelled out in detail

He added: "So far as we're concerned we have to do right by our members. Monday will not see a conclusion as far as we're concerned."

The EIS general secretary said there could also be no agreement as long as the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) and the executive remain at loggerheads over the other elements of the deal.

Mr Smith added: "It's a complete picture. We want to be assured that the Scottish Executive and CoSLA reach a decision that will be delivered in reality."

'Hopeful of a deal'

Mr McConnell said: "This is a good offer and of course details are important but we hope we can secure agreement once these details have been discussed."

An executive spokeswoman added all the parties would be locked in discussions over the remainder weekend.

She said: "There is a lot of number crunching going on. We're hopeful a deal can be secured on Monday, but it's important to get the detail right.

"We've made it clear that we will fund McCrone and we've actually gone beyond what McCrone recommended."