Teachers in the North-east could hit the picket line at the start of the 2018/19 academic year unless a 16% pay rise is implemented.

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) – Scotland’s biggest teaching union – held its AGM in Perth and backed a motion for strike action if the pay rise is not put in place by the Scottish Government.

Currently, there are 108 education vacancies in Aberdeen City, while there are 56 in Aberdeenshire.

In order to solve the teaching crisis in the North-east it is believed higher pay for teachers will allow the two councils to entice people to the region to fill the gaps.

At present, teachers in Scotland earn just under £36,000.

Union bosses argue that teachers pay packets have lost 16% of their value when living cost has risen over the last decade.

Speaking after the AGM, EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The AGM has sent out a very strong message to local authority employers and the Scottish Government that action needs to be taken to address declining levels of teachers’ pay.Following more than a decade of declining pay, real-terms pay cuts and pay freezes, the mood of teachers is hardening.

“The soaring workload facing teachers, combined with the recruitment challenges facing the profession, highlight the need for salary levels to be addressed to ensure that teachers are paid at an appropriate level.”

He added: “Votes on pay and potential industrial action highlight that this issue must be addressed urgently by local authorities and the Scottish Government.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are absolutely committed to freeing up teachers to do what they do best – teach – and have already acted to reduce teachers’ workload.”

The spokeswoman added: “Teachers’ pay and conditions are matters for the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

“Negotiations are currently ongoing and the Scottish Government will play its part in that process.”