Teachers walk out over pay and management

TEACHERS have walked out in the first of a series of five strikes at a Solihull school.

Union members at Light Hall School, Hathaway Road, said they will be leaving the classroom in protest against unfair pay and performance management practices.

They are also complaining about the impact of ‘adverse management culture’ on their health and wellbeing.

Members of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union formed a picket line for two hours on Tuesday morning. Strike days are also planned for February 27 and 28 and March 5 and 6.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Teachers at Light Hall have been placed in a position where they feel they have no alternative but to take strike action in order to secure their right to be treated with dignity at work.

“The NASUWT and our members have made every effort to seek to resolve the issues without recourse to industrial action. However, the employer has failed to come forward with positive strategies. The NASUWT members are dedicated and committed teachers who care about the pupils they teach. The last thing they wanted to do was to take strike action. Unfortunately it appears this is the only way to ensure the employer takes seriously their concerns.

“Further action can be avoided if the employer commits to engaging genuinely with us to resolve these matters.”

Debbie Hayton, NASUWT National Executive member for Solihull, said: “The NASUWT members at Light Hall have not made the decision to strike lightly, but their patience has been exhausted. They apologise for any disruption to pupils and parents but hope they will understand how serious the situation is.

“They are striking for their right to be treated as skilled professionals and to be shown respect in the workplace. We urge the employer to recognise the strength of feeling among teachers at the school and to work with us to address the issues around pay and working practices.”