Ascot school’s first strike in 140 years
More action planned by teachers over pension arrangements
St Mary’s School Ascot saw its first strike in its nearly 140-year history this week – with more planned.
The Catholic boarding school for girls was established in 1885.
The school ‘is not known to have seen strike action before,’ said the National Education Union (NEU) – which is now starting one.
This week and next, there are teacher strikes relating to a dispute with the school governors about pension arrangements.
St Mary’s is currently in consultation with teaching staff over its membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS).
This government-run scheme guarantees benefits based on career length and salary.
All state schoolteachers and most of those working in independent schools are members of the TPS.
At the first consultation meeting in early December, union representatives from NEU, one of two trade unions involved in consultation, ‘made clear’ they were initiating balloting procedures for industrial action.
According to NEU, the school’s governors ‘have proposed changes to the pension arrangements which are unacceptable to the teaching staff’.
They said the school has proposed to cap its contribution to the TPS at 23.68 per cent.
They say this means teachers will see a pay cut of five per cent from September 1.
“The governors have stated their intention to force through these changes to teachers’ contracts by use of the controversial ‘fire and rehire,’ procedure, if necessary,” wrote NEU.
Members voted in a formal ballot by 87 per cent for industrial action on a 92 per cent turnout.
Nick Childs, senior regional officer, NEU said: “We are calling for the governors to withdraw the current proposals and to suspend further consideration of changes to teachers’ pension provision.
“The teaching staff have engaged in good faith with the governors in the consultation process to try to resolve this issue without the need for industrial action.
“NEU members do not engage in this action lightly, but it is clear to them that industrial action is their only resort in this situation.”
St Mary’s teachers with the union wrote in an open letter to parents that TPS is ‘a significant part of a teacher's remuneration’ and ‘part of our contract of employment’.
It is ‘an industry standard’, they added, with all local authority and academy teachers in the scheme, as well as many independent ones.
Teachers’ salaries being ‘lower than many graduate professions’, this is in part compensated by a good pension, they wrote.
“The proposals to leave the scheme or reduce the employer’s
contributions... will adversely affect the ability of the school to attract and retain high quality teachers.
“Significant damage has been done to staff morale by the threat to rip up our contracts of employment.
“For many teachers, not being in the TPS is a deal-breaker.”
The teachers said they believe the school's finances are ‘sound’ and the TPS ‘remains affordable’.
“We regret having to take this action, but the strength of feeling amongst staff is running high,” they wrote.
In a message from the chair of governors and headmistress of St Mary’s, seen by the Express, parents were informed of the impact on the school.
“The school will remain open and we have a comprehensive plan in place for the continuation of your daughter's education,” the letter said.
Pupils in public examination year groups ‘will continue to receive exam-focused lessons and workshops’.
That requires ‘some changes in the staff rota, additional help from senior management and friends of St Mary’s.’
The planned strike took place on Wednesday and Thursday this week (March 6-7) with picket lines outside the school between 7.30am and 9.30am. More strikes are set for 12-14 March.
St Mary’s was approached for comment.