Minister and teachers to keep talking

It is hoped the deal will being peace to the classroom

Scotland's education minister is readying himself for another round of tough talks on teachers' pay - after hopes of an early deal were dashed by the country's largest teaching union.

Jack McConnell is due to chair a meeting of teachers' representatives and councils, on Monday, at which it had been they would sign up to a three year pay and conditions package.

The minister has put 21.5% on the table, but the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) remains unhappy, claiming it has yet to see the deal's fine detail.

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

'Members are angry'

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Details are important'

"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

"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," he added.

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."

The education minister himself 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."