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Industrial Strike Action – Letter from Headteacher

January 25, 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you will be aware from recent press information, the National Education Union, representing teachers in England, has announced its intention to take strike action which affects schools in the West Midlands on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 1stFebruary
  • Wednesday 1stMarch
  • Wednesday 15thMarch
  • Thursday 16thMarch

All teaching unions were balloting for strike action, however did not meet threshold for returns and therefore at present are unable to engage. This does not mean that they will not re-ballot and strike in the future.

Teachers will be striking as a result of disputes over pay, working terms and conditions and funding for schools. I have to be clear; the strikes are about more than just pay and sadly this message gets lost in the coverage by the press and social media. There are significant issues with recruitment and retention of teachers.

Teachers are not required to tell the school in advance if they intend to strike but at The Pines, the majority of teachers have volunteered this information, knowing that for our children, announcing any changes without notice, can have a greater impact on them and their families again showing their commitment to the children and the school.

The number of teachers at The Pines who have shared their intention to strike on the 1st February will mean that we will be able to adequately maintain the health and safety of the pupils in school, however the school day may look slightly different and the curriculum will be heavily modified and adapted to meet the changes in staffing. Health and safety remains our priority.

Taking industrial action is not an easy decision for teachers. The decision to strike is not a reflection of their commitment to the school or their commitment to your child and we, along with the governing body support all of our colleagues who have taken the decision to strike. The situation may change on the dates following the 1st February depending on the negotiations and status of the other unions. I will keep you posted.

If you have any queries or specific concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best Wishes,

Emma Pearce

 

Please click the link below to download a copy of the Industrial Strike Action letter:

Industrial Strike Action Letter 25.01.23