News / Education
School staff strike over pay, hours and safety
Staff at an independent school in Bristol went on strike on Tuesday over pay, unequal hours and site safety.
Employees at Learning Partnership West (LPW), which provides alternative education for students excluded from mainstream education, picketed from 7.30am in the first of six strike dates planned for June.
Members are striking on four main issues: unequal contractual hours and paid break times; pay scale and progression; site safety and premises; and their demand for a formal update on the progression of the Trade Union Recognition Agreement with the National Education Union (NEU).
A particular complaint is that the employer is yet to install a metal detector to protect staff and students.
Students at the school on Princess Street in Bedminster are often facing barriers such as mental health difficulties, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and being in care.
Most of the school’s staff gathered on the picket line outside LPW, encouraged by the honking horns of passing vehicles.
This followed an NEU ballot where 100 per cent of members voted to take strike action, based on a turnout of 95 per cent.
Strikers consider the action necessary for both students and staff
NEU regional officer Ted Powell said: “Members have been raising these issues constantly with the employer since November and unfortunately they had to resort to taking strike action.
“We want to resolve this dispute. We do not want to be on strike. This is about pay and site safety but it’s also about the students to make sure they’re safe as well.”
Asked about those who might argue strike action is more disruptive to students than the employer, Powell said: “Members don’t take this decision lightly. And teachers and support staff will be losing a day’s pay as well.
“It’s not just about pay; it’s about site safety for everybody.”
Tom Bolton, Bristol NEU branch secretary, said: “LPW NEU members provide a vital service to the entire city of Bristol.
“For many students LPW is their last chance at an education. LPW students deserve the absolute best and they get that from the dedicated staff.
“Staff therefore need to be paid and supported fully by both the employer and the wider education system in Bristol.
“LPW students are our most vulnerable and traumatised children and it is the responsibility of the city to ensure they are supported to thrive.
“As it is they are educated in a small building on an industrial estate with no access to green space.”
Further strike dates are planned for June 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18.
All photos: Rob Browne
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