Members of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union at Werneth School in Stockport will take the first of six planned days of strike action tomorrow (Thursday) over working practices which have led to teachers being unacceptably exposed to poor student behaviour including verbal and physical assaults.
Changes to working practices at the start of the autumn term have led to an increase in disruptive and violent behaviour from pupils.
Four days of strike action originally due to take place last December were withdrawn to give the employer an opportunity to resolve the dispute. However, despite some changes, members do not feel substantive improvements have been made and have been left with no choice but to reinstate strike action.
Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:
“Significant changes to working practices introduced without proper consultation with staff are still having a negative impact on pupil behaviour and on our members' workload.
“We were hopeful that action promised by the employer in December would address the problems, but the employer has failed to deliver on its commitments.
“Members cannot continue to go into work in an environment where they are not being kept safe by their employer and where they do not feel valued and respected.”
Jac Casson, NASUWT National Executive Member for Stockport, said:
“The management of pupil behaviour systems is still not having the necessary effect on improving behaviour and the management of it. This has resulted in unacceptable low level disruption and defiance from students. But more concerning is the frequency of verbal assaults on our members and the threat of physical assault.
“Whilst the management has attempted to make improvements, members feel that the employer has yet to fully understand the extent of the problems and recognise the issues they are experiencing. As a result the employer is failing in its responsibilities towards both staff and pupils and our members now feel the only avenue left open to them to try to secure their welfare is to take strike action.”
