Teachers call off strike at school
STRIKING teachers called off their action over management at a high school after successful talks to resolve issues, but negotiations continue, their union said
Members of the NASUWT at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Cardigan, complained of a “climate of fear and intimidation” when they walked out at the start of six days of planned strikes last month.
But strike action planned for February 12, 13 and today was called off after successful talks between Ceredigion Council and the union, both parties said.
The council said in a statement: “Following constructive discussions between Ceredigion County Council and the NASUWT, the strike action planned for February 12-14 will no longer go ahead.
“Good progress has been made in many areas and both parties are fully committed to working with the school to revise procedures and build relationships for the benefit of staff and pupils.”
But the NASUWT said the dispute was not yet resolved. Chris Keates, general secretary of NASUWT Cymru, said: “As a result of positive discussions with Ceredigion County Council, where progress has been made, as it currently stands the last three days of planned strike action at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi have been withdrawn.
“The NASUWT remains committed to resolving this dispute for the benefit of the teachers and the pupils.”
A total of 16 NASUWT members had been taking part in the walkout at the school, which has around 500 pupils aged 11-18
Last month an independent investigation commissioned by Ceredigion Council into issues raised by current and former staff members at the school was published.
The investigation into allegations of nepotism, workload, bullying and other issues found no evidence to support them.
The school’s governing body welcomed the report findings and wrote to all parents asking for their support.
The school, described as “naturally bilingual” by Estyn, was under monitoring by the education watchdog until 2016.