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Strike threat puts workload woes in focus THREATENED strike action over unsustainable workloads has caused management to back down at Gordano School in north Somerset.
2021, members renewed their campaigning efforts to reduce workload. Although the employer made some changes initially, staff felt it was not enough to make a sufficient difference and so, in January 2022, NEU members successfully balloted for strike action. “The one trait you need as an activist is persistence. Balloting was a big step and many members felt uncomfortable with taking action that could disrupt their pupils’ education,” said Ted. Despite these concerns, 90 per cent of members voted for strike action. They announced six days of strikes, forcing management to return to the negotiating table and, at the 11th hour, management agreed to all members’ demands. “The dispute was a stressful time for everyone involved, but when it was finally resolved members really did have a spring in their step knowing that their collective action and strength had brought about positive change in the workplace,” said Ted.
Workload concerns at Gordano School stretch back several years. In autumn 2019, members formally approached management about the issue and outlined ways a reduction in workload could be achieved. These included reducing the number of additional lessons, staff briefings and working hours on days with parents’ evenings. However, at the time little was done to resolve the issue by the employer. Staff then worked increasingly long hours throughout the pandemic to the point where members said it was not acceptable or sustainable. Ted Powell, joint NEU rep at the school, said: “Staff were feeling overworked and stress levels were rising.” On returning to school in September
A long battle, but unity and solidarity prevail at Chingford NEU members at South Chingford School in Waltham Forest have postponed their seventh day of action as management agreed to the majority of their demands. Members at the London secondary school and sixth form college, which is run by the Chingford Academies Trust, had been raising concerns over workload, health and safety and staff wellbeing for several years. Threatened redundancies in the PE department then caused members to rally together and successfully ballot for seven days of strike action. Staff had 16 concerns, including a proposal to increase weekly teaching hours; issues over appraisals for support staff; playground safety; and a lack of a formal consultation process for staff threatened with redundancy. “Until we decided to strike, management didn’t take any notice of us,” said Paula Smith, support staff rep. Paula is one of three NEU reps. Her colleague, Katharine Hinds, who is health and safety rep, said: “The solidarity between the three of us has had a huge impact. I think it’s important to encourage schools to have more than one rep so they can support each other.” After six days of strike action, a meeting with the Advisory, Conciliation 8
and Arbitration Service (ACAS) led to management agreeing to the majority of members’ demands. These included an agreement to keep the teaching week to 20 hours; individual risk assessments for staff; a stress survey; proper payment for part-time staff; and the establishment of a joint trade
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union employer group that will have regular meetings with the trust’s chief executive. NEU rep Alison Stirling said: “All we want is a happier, healthier school and we’re finally being listened to. It’s been a long battle but the members have achieved so much through their unity and solidarity.”
