Exam results could be disrupted next year after Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) staff voted for strike action in a dispute over pay, a union has warned.
Unite the union said its members have backed strike action for the second year running after being offered an “entirely unacceptable” two-year pay offer for 2023 and 2024.
The union claimed that for the majority of its members, the current SQA offer equates to no more than 5.75% in 2023, and 3.15% in 2024, while inflation has varied between 8.9% and 13.8% throughout 2023.
Hundreds of Unite members at SQA working in roles including as administrators, managers, processors and researchers, backed strike action by 72% on an 80% turnout.
The union said strike action could affect the exam body’s ability to provide results in 2024.
The SQA said the pay deal is “fair and reasonable” and represents the maximum amount that is affordable and permitted by the Scottish Government’s pay strategy.
