No one goes to their work to be abused.

That includes teachers. Last week, teachers within an East Dunbartonshire school took industrial action over the failure of their employer to act to address poor pupil behaviour and the abuse of teachers. The move follows similar industrial action taken by teaching unions, both NASUWT and the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), within the Glasgow and Aberdeen City Council areas over the past years.

At the risk of repeating myself: no one takes industrial action lightly, least of all our teachers. We’re talking about workers whose entire craft is dedicated to the betterment of our young people. Often to no fanfare or to the adulation they deserve.

They, like every other worker throughout the country, have a right to be safe and secure in their work. The same principle applies to pupils. They have a right to learn and thrive in an environment that nurtures, not hinders, their development. That cannot possibly be achieved whilst teachers are forced to take measures to defend their working conditions and the learning conditions of their pupils. And they’re absolutely right to do so.

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Their actions send a clear message to their employer that they will no longer be subject to abuse. We wouldn’t stand for it in any other occupation. Teachers should be no different. We stand with them. As should you. You should also look at the bigger picture and I agree with the First Minister.

At First Minister’s Questions this week, he made clear that, whilst condemning the behaviour and abuse towards NASUWT members in East Dunbartonshire, it does us........

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