GRAMMAR SCHOOL TEACHERS STRIKE OVER 'WORKLOAD AND SAFETY'

Teachers at a historic grammar school are will take part in six days of strike action over concerns about safety, workload and management.

Members of The National Education Union (NEU) at The Blue Coat School in Liverpool will begin industrial action on 14 May.

The dispute is over several grievances with management including claims of an "unmanageable workload", "safety concerns" and "ineffective mechanisms for negotiation and consultation".

The school previously said they "were committed" to resolving any issues that may exist.

'Dangerous game'

Almost 70 NEU members will take an additional five days of action throughout May and June.

The union said it had an 91% turnout of its members, with 82% voting in favour of striking.

They said the issues included:

  • "An unmanageable workload and unsatisfactory arrangements for the allocation of work"
  • "Ineffective school mechanisms for negotiation and consultation"
  • "Safety concerns arising from dilapidated premises/equipment and management culture"

Bora Oktas, regional officer of the NEU, said the employer had been playing a "dangerous game" with members since the start of the dispute in February.

He said: "They are insincere. Their misleading tactics have not only affected staff but also parents and the local community.

“The school management and trustees board have lost the trust and confidence of NEU members. Despite receiving taxpayer funds, they exhibit a total disregard for transparency and accountability.

"The misuse of public funds verges on corruption within the school.”

Strike action dates

The NEU members intend to strike on:

  • 14 May
  • 16 May
  • 21 May
  • 23 May
  • 12 June
  • 13 June

The school, which was founded in 1708, is a selective grammar with academy status.

Negotiations have been ongoing for months and police were called to a previous meeting between the school and union following a disturbance.

Peter Middleman, regional secretary of the NEU, added: “What many consider to be a flagship school for the city is having its reputation further tarnished and our members realise that their line-in-the-sand defence of standards is something local communities will support them in.”

The union said it remained willing to reach a negotiated settlement to the present dispute.

The Blue Coat School has been approached for comment.

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2024-04-30T06:44:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd