Strike action against ‘Government bullying’

Secondary and primary schools are expected to be closed or face partial closure during industrial action by teachers tomorrow (Tuesday).
StrikesStrikes
Strikes

The regional strike by members of the NUT and NAS-UWT is in protest at Government changes to their pay and pensions and is part of a rolling programme of industrial action.

Andy Summers, Warwickshire NUT spokesman, said: “There’s a reluctant support from many harassed professionals and a great sorrow that this has been forced on them by the Government.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We believe there’s a moral responsibility for teachers to take a stand against what we regard as Government bullying.

“If teachers fail to take part, then they are actually failing the children by not showing you have to stand up to bullying.”

And Sam Kincaid, Warwickshire secretary of the NAS-UWT, said: “Apart from our own salaries and pensions, the children are suffering direct and indirect cuts.

“It’s a difficult position to be put in, but parents and the public know who we are targeting, and it’s definitely not them.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the strike has been met with dismay by one parent whose child attends Bishop’s Tachbrook CE Primary, which will be partially closed.

Asking to remain anonymous, he said: “The teachers certainly will not get any support from the majority of parents. It’s difficult enough juggling full-time employment and child care without the added problem of finding cover for strike days.”

Paul MacIntyre, head at Myton School, said the decision to partially close was not taken lightly and took into account safety, staffing and what stage pupils were in their academic studies.

The sixth form and year seven will do a normal day and year 11 will be at school until lunchtime, but years eight, nine and 10 will not be at school, although they will have set work to do at home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr MacIntyre said: “We understand and appreciate this is very disruptive for and parents and carers.

“We regret the situation that people feel they have a grievance with the Government and not the school.

“It’s regrettable but we understand the grievance of highly valued, committed and loyal colleagues.”

Closed schools include Trinity Catholic and Telford Junior schools in Leamington, Emscote Infants, Warwick, Radford Semele CE, and Provost Williams CE, Ryton.

For the full list of school closures click here

Related topics: