I suppose any period of 12 months in the annals of any trades union would be described as being “difficult”. However, I would contend that the last 12 months have been particularly challenging as we have tried to come to terms with some fairly serious internal matters. It is as a consequence that I address you this afternoon slightly surreal as I imagined my days of Presidential addresses or General Secretary reports were well and truly over. Sometimes a phrase…
Margaret Smith's Presidential Address - Congress 2013
It seems almost inconceivable that two years have passed since Peter Wright called me ‘Muggins’ and pinned the President’s badge on me – -and what a two years they have been Following my last Congress address I was described in the editorial of a national newspaper as, ‘selfish and irresponsible,’ ‘living on the moon,’ and an example of ‘why members were deserting trade unions.’ I must have got something right. Unfortunately, the concerns I raised last year still beset us.…
Working Time Agreements 2013/14
Members are reminded that the season of Working Time Agreements is here. Given the increasing workload implications of National 4 and 5, it would be advisable to review the allocation of time in the school agreement devoted to curriculum development and Formal Assessment. Clearly time would be needed to be taken from elsewhere. Members should therefore consider what time allocation they believe sufficient and what has to be sacrificed from the other “priorities”. Every school will be different but it…
Increase in Employee Pension Contributions
As from April 1st 2013 the following increases to employee pension contributions will apply. Full Time Equivalentpensionable pay Contribution rate 2012/13 Contribution rate 2013/14 Contribution rateincrease against 2012/13 Up to £14,999 6.4% 6.4% 0% £15,000 to £25,999 7.0% 7.0% 0% £26,000 to £31,999 7.3% 7.9% 0.6% £32,000 to £39,999 7.6% 8.8% 1.2% £40,000 to £44,999 8.0% 9.2% 1.2% £45,000 to £74,999 8.0% 10.1% 2.1% £75,000 to £99,999 8.4% 10.6% 2.2% £100,000 and above 8.4-8.8% 11.2% 2.4-2.8% Annual Pay Negotiations There…
National Qualification's Survey
The Association is conducting a survey of members to find out how prepared they are for the delivery of the new courses next session. The survey should take no longer than a couple of minutes to complete. Emails are being sent out to approximately 15% of members inviting them to take part in the survey. Those chosen to take part in the survey were randomly selected by our database. If you receive an invitation please take the time to complete…
SSTA Expresses Disgust
The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today expressed disgust at in the middle of continuing attempts to produce a Scottish solution to the Public Sector Pension fiasco the Scottish Parliament's Education and Culture Committee has failed to protect Scottish teachers by not opposing further increases in pension contributions. Acting General Secretary Alan McKenzie this afternoon said “This extra tax on teachers imposed by the UK Government simply cannot be justified. It is difficult to defend the aspiration for a Scottish solution…
Scotland's Teaching Unions United in Condemnation of Pensions Hike
Scotland's two largest teaching unions, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) have today been united in their condemnation of an increase in the pensions contributions paid by Scotland's teachers. The Scottish Government has announced, today, an increase to the contribution rate for the Scottish teachers' pension scheme. The increase, which follows on from a similar increase in 2011, will impose a further 1.2% in pension deductions from teachers' pay, taking the contribution rate…
Cancelled - Senior Managers Seminar - Friday 15 March 2013
Due to Lack of interest in the Seminar we have had to cancel the event. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. 7 March 2013 The Seminar is an all day event, which will take place on Friday 15 March at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld and is free to SSTA members. The programme will include: • National Update • Professional Update Implication for Senior Managers - Tony Finn, Chief Executive, GTCs • Children and Young Persons Bill
Working Time Agreements
Following a number of enquiries regarding Working Time Agreement the Association has produced an advice sheet for School Reps which is available to download. Should you have any questions regarding your school Working Time Agreement please contact headquarters by emailing info@ssta.org.uk or calling 0131 313 7300.
Results of Survey on Newsletter
There were 500 responses. The highlights of the survey are as follows Nearly 90% supported the electronic format being used. The great majority of respondents were happy with the smaller printed format (80%). 75% of respondents rated the articles in the newsletter as being interesting and relevant and 69% believed that 2 newsletters per session were sufficient. The full survey results are available for any member. Please contact the Acting General Secretary.
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info@ssta.org.uk
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