Lenzie Academy teachers could strike over 'life-threatening' fire safety risks

Secondary teachers at a school in East Dunbartonshire could go on strike over what a union has described as life-threatening fire safety risks.

Staff at Lenzie Academy are to vote on whether or not to take industrial action after raising urgent concerns about the safety of their working environment.

The EIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, said 95% of its members had already indicated they were in favour of action.

The union says fire safety risks identified by East Dunbartonshire Council’s own risk assessment pose a “substantial risk to life”.

Broken fire doors at Lenzie Academy remain unrepaired, according to the teachers, and they say there has been a lack of meaningful action to resolve the issues, despite repeated requests.

“Our members have raised these problems repeatedly, yet the response from the Council has been slow and inadequate,” said Bora Oktas EIS area officer.

“Health and safety is not optional; it is a legal and moral obligation. The employer must act now to make the school safe for everyone who works and learns there.”

Chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council Ann Davie said: “Discussions are ongoing with the EIS in relation to matters at Lenzie Academy. Any strike action is regrettable and we will continue to work with all parties to do everything we can to avoid disruption to pupils’ learning.

“The health and safety of staff and pupils is paramount and all the issues raised in the Fire Risk Assessment are being addressed in order of priority with many already fixed. It is important to stress that the school remains safe for pupils, teachers and staff to occupy.”