Collective Disputes Policy & Procedure - June 2026

6. Scope

This policy covers all employees including centrally employed teachers but excludes staff on the complement of locally managed schools for whom a separate policy applies. In the absence of a policy agreed locally by individual schools the principles of this policy should be followed.

It does not cover individual grievances, grading of posts, disciplinary matters, non-confirmation of employment during probationary periods, equal pay grievances, matters more appropriately dealt with under an alternative policy or procedure or any collective issues for which more extensive collective bargaining arrangements exist e.g., the Employee Relations Group (ERG).

Complaints about bullying or harassment should be dealt with under the Authority’s Behavioural Standards in the Workplace Guidance.  Employees raising a concern under the Public Interest Disclosure Act should refer to the Whistleblowing Policy

Any collective disputes relating to matters more than three months old or which have been the subject of a dispute between a Trade Union and any Department of the Council at any time during the preceding 12 months will not be accepted unless any action decided upon by management to redress that dispute has not been implemented.