Congress to hear technology fears

Cyberbullying of teachers has become an increasing problem

Advances in technology have contributed to increased levels of abuse and bullying of workers, the Scottish Trades Union Congress will hear.

Teaching unions will tell delegates that mobile phones, internet sites and e-mails have led to harassment and false allegations against staff.

The event in Inverness, to start on Monday, will also tackle renewable power and post office closures.

Concerns will also to raised over funding for the Scottish arts.

The National Association of Schoolmasters and the Union of Women Teachers will table the motion on new technologies.

Cyberbullying - abuse sent by e-mail and posted on websites - has been an increasing problem for teachers in recent years.

While welcoming developments in technology, the unions said it had increased workloads.

The STUC General Council will be asked to campaign for changes in legislation, including greater protection of people who are named, exposed to public ridicule and subjected to false allegations on websites.

Fossil fuels

Meanwhile, the Musicians' Union is expected to voice its fears that funds will be diverted away from the arts to help Glasgow host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Delegates will be asked to join the Communication Workers' Union in expressing "alarm" at the proposed closure of 2,500 post offices across the UK.

And Inverness Trades Union Council has a motion warning that the UK has become "dangerously over-dependent" on fossil fuels.

It will also urge caution on exploiting renewable power - such as wind - in the north of Scotland at the expense of the scenic landscape.