TEACHERS fear they will struggle to cope with the extra workload caused by a controversial educational restructure in secondary schools across the area.

Following a crisis meeting last Wednesday, teachers’ unions have announced they are considering launching a campaign against the restructure — and are prepared for strike action.

Unions Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) have joined forces in saying no to education cuts.

The Post told last week how West Dunbartonshire Council Council education chiefs are aiming to save £600,000 in the next year by removing a total of four depute head roles from its five secondary schools, aswell as bunching subject principals into faculties to cut the overall number of promoted posts.

This would lead to the number of principals and pastoral teachers at St Peter the Apostle reducing from 30.8 to 23, while it is proposed that Clydebank High goes from 28 to 20.

The controversial move could also potentially see completely separate subjects, such as PE and home economics, grouped together in a faculty to save money.

At a joint meeting held by the two trade unions last Wednesday with staff from Clydebank and St Peter the Apostle high schools, the teachers present were “very angry” at the proposal to reduce the number of principal teachers, curricular and pupil support.

Stewart Paterson, EIS secretary for West Dunbartonshire, said: “The feelings from all members present is that this proposal will have a detrimental impact on attainment for pupils in secondary schools and reduce the level of support that pastoral care teachers can provide.

“It was highlighted that in an area of deprivation this extra support can make a huge difference to the pupils involved.

“We are acutely aware that this proposal will mean an increase in workload for all staff, especially the new ‘faculty leaders’.” The unions said they had evidence from other councils who have implemented similar structures that the workload of the faculty leader is unsustainable.

They insist that some of these councils are now realising this and are dismantling faculties.

A motion was tabled at the meeting for teachers and their unions to consider kickstarting a campaign involving parents, the media and, if necessary, industrial action.

Stewart Paterson has called on the council to scrap its restructuring plans to avoid strikes.

He said: “The existing structure should be retained for the benefit of all staff and pupils in West Dunbartonshire.The council has an underspend of over £1 million in the financial year up to April 2015. There is therefore no need to implement these proposals.” A council spokeswoman said: “These proposals were introduced to address inconsistencies of promoted posts across West Dunbartonshire’s schools. The council is committed to improving the life chances of our children and young people through education and the proposed changes to our secondary education structures will continue to support improving attainment in West Dunbartonshire. The proposal is to implement these changes in two phases, with the reduction in depute head posts from August 2015 and the reduction in principal teacher posts from April 2016. The proposed changes will not result in any job losses or reduction in teacher numbers.”