TEACHERS claiming to be ‘at breaking point’ at a Coventry secondary school have begun six days of strike action.
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) at Bishop Ullathorne School in Coventry went on strike on Tuesday (November 11), with five more days scheduled during November, in protest at what the union says are ‘increasing workload concerns’ and a ‘lack of proper consultation and negotiation’.
The NEU has called on 70 members who work at the school, which is run by the Holy Cross Catholic Multi-Academy Company (MAC), to take part in the strike action.
An NEU spokesperson said: “Staff workload is at breaking point, and despite promises of no increase in the number of lessons for each teacher, that decision was reversed with only three days’ notice.
“NEU members are disappointed it has come to this and do not take this decision lightly. However, they feel it is necessary due to decisions from the MAC and school leaders that are negatively affecting staff at the school, and the education of the pupils.
“Striking is always a last resort but talks with the employer concluded with no offer of any movement on any of the issues raised by staff.”
Chris Denson, Joint Secretary of Coventry NEU, said members have reported ‘huge’ workload concerns.
He added: “We had increases in teaching load over a year ago which made issues worse – and with no notice at all, and despite previous promises, this has happened again.
“Students’ learning conditions are staff working conditions, and a leadership unwilling to address major concerns of staff is really problematic.”
A spokesperson for Bishop Ullathorne said: “We acknowledge that we haven’t got the consultation about a very small number of changes in job roles quite right, but overall we find it difficult to comprehend how and why we have reached this point with the NEU.
“Education budgets are being stretched and we are being asked to do more with our funding. We are making the changes that are required, but we still do a huge amount to keep workload manageable.
“Our teachers teach less than the maximum number of lessons that is allowed and the number of Directed Hours is also lower than is legally set. They also receive more Planning, Preparation and Assessment time (PPA) than is required.
“We have also already worked with staff to help alleviate pressures by bringing in initiatives such as reduced marking schemes. Our pay progression policies have also been updated to reflect best practice in the sector.
“We will, of course, continue to try and engage with the Union in a proactive and supportive way. Our Catholic mission will continue to be the driving force in our discussions with staff so that we listen and respect each other in order to reach a quick resolution to this issue.”
Further strike days are planned for November 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.
