A historic union recognition agreement has been signed at Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow.

The agreement to formally recognise trade unions for the purposes of collective bargaining over teachers’ terms and conditions has been agreed between Hutchesons’ Educational Trust, NASUWT, the Educational Institute of Scotland and the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association. It is the first union recognition agreement at an independent school in Scotland.

The agreement follows a campaign of strike action by members of the NASUWT last year over attempts to downgrade the pensions of teachers at the school. The action resulted in an agreement over pay and pensions.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

“This is a historic step forward in securing the rights of trade union members in the independent sector to be formally consulted over their working conditions.

“Through working together we can make schools healthier and safer places to work in for teachers and better places to learn in for pupils.”

Mike Corbett, NASUWT National Official Scotland, said:

“NASUWT congratulates all its members for ensuring that the outcome of 2023’s pensions dispute and industrial action has resulted in a positive way forward within the school.

“Collective bargaining will increase teachers’ morale in their workplace and promote better industrial relations going forward.”