TEACHERS from an established Ascot boarding school have announced that strikes will continue into the Summer months as the school refuses their offer of mediation.
Members of the National Education Union at the school originally took industrial action for the first time in their 139-year-old history during the Easter term, on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 March and 12, 13 and 14 March.
This came after School Governors put forward changes to the pension arrangements for those included in the Teacher’s Pension Scheme. This would mean that teachers would see a pay cut of five percent from September 1 to maintain membership in the TPS.
Governors were also proposing a controversial 'fire and rehire' procedure if necessary to force through changes to teachers' contracts.
This was deemed ‘unacceptable’ by the teaching staff.
Nick Childs, Senior Regional Officer, NEU said: “We are calling for the Governors to withdraw the current proposals and to suspend further consideration of changes to teachers’ pension provision. The Governors' current proposal represents a materially adverse change to existing staff contracts”.
“It is disappointing that school Governors have rejected the unions’ proposal of independent mediation from ACAS, as it is the earnest desire of teachers to end strike action and reach a meaningful agreement over pensions. NEU members do not engage in this action lightly, but it is clear to them, with the rejection of ACAS by the employer, that continued industrial action is their only resort in this situation”.
Further strikes action will take for 18, 24 and 25 April. Picket lines will be formed between the hours of 07:30-0:900 on all the above dates at the following locations: St Mary’s Ascot School, SL5 9JF.
St Mary's School was established in 1885 as a top catholic boarding school for girls and is not known to have seen strike action before.
Recent notable alumni include Lady Antonia Fraser (historian and novelist) and several members of the royal family.
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