Teachers at a Glasgow independent school have returned to strike action amid an ongoing dispute.
Members of the EIS teaching union at Hutchesons’ Grammar voted to down tools in a row over pensions in May, but had halted the action amid positive talks with the school.
According to the union, staff were sent letters over the Easter break saying they would have to sign new contracts, with the jobs of anyone who refused being advertised elsewhere.
The move led to the first strike action in the history of the school, which boasts both Mr Yousaf and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar among its former pupils.
The school later announced it would delay the plans for a year and continue its talks with teaching unions.
However, staff resumed their strike on Wednesday amid claims by the union that the school had reneged on the announcement made two weeks ago.
However, representatives of the school denied that claim and stated that offers made were rejected by the union.
An EIS spokesperson said: "The school’s recent actions display the worst example of management behaviour, and continue a pattern of extremely poor treatment of the hard-working and dedicated teaching staff at Hutchesons’ Grammar.
"The EIS had suspended its strike action, as an act of good faith, to allow time for more discussions following the school’s announcement of a delay in its plans.
"At that time, we warned the school that they must seize the opportunity to enter into meaningful discussions with a view to reaching a negotiated agreement.”
READ MORE: Teachers at one of Glasgow's leading schools plan walk out over pension row
The union spokesperson claimed that the school broke their promise to delay the plan, but the school representatives denied this.
The EIS comment added: "It is the underhand tactics of management that have led to the resumption of strike action today, while also hardening our members’ resolve to continue with their programme of industrial action until a fair settlement is reached in this dispute.”
A statement by Hutchesons’ Grammar School stated they "had no choice" but to proceed with the pension plan change.
It read: "We met with union representatives on June 16th as we worked together to try and reach a mutually amicable agreement.
"On June 16th the union representatives communicated that neither of the options we presented are acceptable to its members. We did not manage to reach any agreement regarding calling off the planned strike action due to take place June 21st.
"As no agreement was made on June 16th, despite our very best efforts, we have no choice but to proceed as planned towards an exit from TPS in Autumn 2023. As of 16 June, the teachers will therefore be enrolled into a private pension scheme that will give an extremely generous 22% employer contribution.
"This decision has been taken after careful consultation, reflection, and consideration. It is fully backed by the Board.
"The welfare of all our staff members, pupils and the school are always our primary focus and we are disappointed that the unions have not accepted our recommendations.
"We put our staff and pupils at the forefront of everything we do at Hutchesons’ Grammar School."
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