Members of Scotland’s largest teaching union have rejected proposed changes to their working conditions.
The Educational Institute of Scotland said it reflected the mood of teachers after a two-year pay freeze, increased pension contributions and “excessive” workloads.
Teachers are being asked to be more flexible in their working week, such as working an extra two hours one week then being paid back with reduced time in another week, the union said.
Concern has been raised that extra duties, including administration and lunchtime supervisions, could fall on teachers.
In a consultative ballot, just under 59% voted against the proposals negotiated through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers following the McCormac Report on teaching employment.
General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The EIS has been consistent in stating that any proposals arising from discussion of the McCormac Report would be subject to a ballot of our members. We have now completed that process and the result is a clear rejection by Scotland’s teachers of the suggested changes to working conditions.”
The ballot may also have implications for an agreed 1% pay offer.
“No one wishes to see disruption in our schools, particularly at such a crucial phase in the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, so we will await discussion of the issues at the meeting before deciding how to proceed,” Mr Flanagan said.
“The ballot result, however, is indicative of the mood of teachers.”
Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “Obviously the negotiating committee will have to look at this as a matter of urgency.”