‘This is a last resort’ teachers start their 3 day walkout

National Education Union (NEU) members at St Matthew’s CE Primary School in Halliwell voted last month to walk out in response to issues surrounding performance-related pay and management. 

Teachers first picketed on March 19, with further strikes planned for last week, March 25 and 26, before they were called off to give management the chance to negotiate. 

Members postponed the strike to allow governors and the local authority to meet with them to address their concerns.

However, NEU members said that they declined to do so – and there has been no further progress. 

Today, staff returned to the entrance of the school with their placards and flags for the first day of three – they will also be picketing tomorrow and Wednesday. 

NEU regional officer, Roz Morton, said: “Members are resolute, they want to get a response from their employer. 

Placards (Image: Newsquest) “A performance-related pay system is in place, which in some cases has stopped pay progression. 

“Staff are waiting for an offer from their employer on this outstanding issue. Other issues are with the management culture.

“There has not been a meeting with the Chair of Governors, the local authority and the staff. That is why members are out again.” 

She added: “It has created a bit of a toxic environment. You can’t look after the kids properly if you are not looked after as a staff member.” 

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Teachers at St Matthew’s (Image: Newsquest)

A teacher at the school, who wished not to be named, said: “There is a lack of respect, a lack of professionalism and a lack of trust. Things are being done without the children being considered as the priority. 

“This is a last resort, we have tried other avenues and this is the only option to try and move forward. We tried to get the local authority and the Chair of Governors to speak to us and find out what is going on – we want to sort it out. 

“Obviously we would rather be inside than stood out here, it is basically a cry for help. This is not about pay, this is about reclaiming our school, it is about improving the school to be better for the children. 

“This is not what we want to be doing, but at the moment it is not the best place for the children to be.” 

Another teacher said: “Parents have been happy for years until recently. But because of the culture change, parents who have children here have said to us they would think twice about bringing their younger children here too.” 

Representing NEU members at the school, Joanne Squires, Bolton NEU Branch Secretary said: “Members were hopeful that the Chair of Governors would present a meaningful offer to resolve the dispute and re-set the relationships at the school following their first day of strike action. 

“Unfortunately, despite postponing – in good faith – the action planned for last week to create a window of opportunity, there has been no movement from the employer.

“Members would much rather be back in their classrooms delivering the education experience pupils at St Matthew’s deserve, but in order to achieve this they want to see a genuine commitment to positive change for the benefit of the whole school community.” 

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “St Matthew’s Church of England School continues to work with representatives from the National Education Union to resolve this matter.

“Unfortunately, they have been unable to reach an agreement in time to prevent industrial action taking place today, and this has resulted in some disruption to the school timetable.”

“The council continues to encourage everyone to find a resolution to prevent any further disruption for pupils.”

Source – INDIA TV