Exam board says ‘business unaffected’ as staff strike in pay dispute

An exam board has clashed with a trade union as staff walked out for 24 hours in a dispute over pay.

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) staff walked out on Friday, claiming a pay offer for 2023 and 2024 would see most receive rises of 5.75% and 3.15% for the two years respectively.

Unite the union said the offer represents a “brutal pay cut” and claimed the strike action could have a “major impact” on preparations for this year’s exams.

But the SQA said the number of staff on strike is fewer that the union had expected.

A spokesperson said: “Early indications from today’s industrial action by Unite show that the number of SQA staff on strike is far below the union’s claim that 400 staff would be out.

“SQA business – including exam preparation – is unaffected and continues as normal. This will provide further reassurance to learners the length and breadth of Scotland.

But Unite claimed the action is having a “tangible and direct impact” on coursework marking.

Alison MacLean, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite members in their hundreds took strike action across the SQA. We know that at this early stage our industrial action is having a tangible and direct impact on the SQA’s coursework marking and external verification process because meetings have been cancelled associated with this work.

“Unite’s industrial action is scheduled to last until May and there is absolutely no doubt that the action our members are taking will accumulate to have a major impact.

“Instead of working with Unite to resolve this dispute the SQA seem more interested in creating further divisions. Our members remain resolute, and they will continue to fight for a fair pay deal over the coming months.

“Unite has attempted to resolve this dispute through negotiation for months. Even this week we put forward counter proposals which could have averted strike action.

“This was rejected outright by SQA’s senior management, who are in turn blaming the Scottish Government over a lack of money to fund a better deal.

Staff will take part in a second 24-hour strike on Thursday February 29.

In addition, a ban on staff working overtime, working at weekends and working additional hours which would lead to them accruing time off in lieu has been in place since February 16 – with this action short of a strike due to run until May 10.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for the SQA said: “Industrial action by Unite began last week.

“This is regrettable, but we have robust contingency plans in place and can reassure learners that there is no impact on their coursework, exams or grades.

“The majority of SQA staff will be at work on Friday, working hard to deliver for learners.

“Instead of unnecessary scaremongering, Unite should do the responsible thing and negotiate on a serious basis.

“At our request, they attended a meeting this week designed to break the deadlock, but despite a number of extra benefits being added to the existing deal, Unite again rejected an offer outright, without going to their members.

“Unite’s request for a one-year deal isn’t new and would breach public sector pay policy which we are required to adhere to, along with other public bodies.

“The pay offer on the table represents a total average increase of 7.43% in year one and a further total average rise of 5.19% in year two, including pay progression. It is the best offer possible which is affordable and within the limits of public sector pay.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “While this is a matter for SQA as the employer, the Scottish Government remains in close contact with them and has strongly encouraged resolution talks to resume.

“We have received further reassurances from SQA that learners will not experience disruption to their exams, coursework or grades.”