EIS Ballot for Strike Action as Teachers Protest Heavy Workload in Scotland

EDINBURGH, Oct. 6, 2025 . Teachers across Scotland are preparing to vote on strike action over what union leaders describe as a “crippling” workload, escalating tensions between the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the Scottish government, and local councils.
The EIS executive committee unanimously agreed on Tuesday to hold a statutory ballot for industrial action, citing years of delays in the government’s promise to reduce teachers’ class contact time to a maximum of 21 hours per week.
EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said the excessive workload had taken a serious toll on teachers’ professional and personal lives, forcing many to work unpaid overtime to keep up with increasing demands. “Teachers have shown divine patience while continuing to toil under excessive workload burdens,” she said. “Our patience has now run out. Both the
The Scottish government and Cosla must keep their promise and deliver a concrete programme of workload reduction.”
The union argues that thousands of qualified teachers remain underemployed or on temporary contracts while workload reform has been delayed. The issue stems from a 2021 manifesto commitment that has yet to be implemented, despite ongoing discussions between the EIS, the Scottish government, and Cosla, which represents local councils.
A Scottish government spokesperson said ministers were “disappointed” by the union’s decision to ballot while “constructive discussions” were still ongoing. “We respect union members’ right to take action, but remain committed to delivering a reduction in class contact time at pace,” the spokesperson added.
The EIS insists that strike action can still be avoided if the government fulfills its pledge. However, with teacher frustration mounting and negotiations stalling, Scotland could soon face its next major education dispute.