What you need to know about today's strike by teachers
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Related article: Highland Council confirms that all schools will be closed during strike action
All schools in the Highland region will be closed today during planned strike action by teachers.
It has been called by The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union and is part of 16 days of rolling strike action which will affect each of the country's 32 local authority areas until February 6.
In summary, on Tuesday, January 31:
• All primary schools including local authority ELC and out of school care settings will be closed to pupils.
• All secondary schools will be closed to pupils;
• All special schools and off-site provision will be closed to pupils;
• A BACS payment will be made for those children and young people entitled to a free school meal based on low income (not universal entitlement);
• School Crossing Patrols will not operate on this day;
• School Transport will not operate on this day.
Union members are taking the action because they want an improved pay deal from the Scottish Government and COSLA.
The EIS Council has condemned both the Scottish Government and COSLA for what they say is their continuing pretence that "meaningful" and "constructive" talks have been ongoing on teacher pay.
Unions have rejected a pay offer which would see most teachers receive a five per cent wage rise – although the lowest earners would get an increase of 6.85 per cent.
The Scottish government has previously insisted the 10 per cent rise teachers are demanding is unaffordable.
Following the conclusion of the 16 days of rolling action, there will be two days of national strike action for all members on Tuesday, February 28, and Wednesday, March 1, which will be followed by a further 20 days of rolling strike action between March 13 and April 21.
