Students and parents face disruption from December strikes as teachers walk out at Liverpool school
More than a dozen staff and teachers from a Liverpool special educational school could begin strike action tomorrow (Friday).
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) at Redbridge High School in Norris Green are planning to walk out on Friday over what the union describes as a dispute over excessive workload, unsafe working conditions and breaches of terms and conditions of employment.
The school on Long Lane provides education for children aged between 11 and 19 with autism spectrum disorder, physical disability and severe learning disabilities. There are more than 140 pupils on the roll.
NEU members are walking out over what officials say is a refusal by school governors to address their concerns. A postal ballot held among union staff backed strike action overwhelmingly, with 93% voting in favour on a turn-out of 88%.
After tomorrow’s industrial action, further strikes are proposed for Tuesday 9 to Wednesday December 10. Staff will then walk out from Monday December 15 to Wednesday December 17.
Peter Middleman, NEU North West regional secretary, said: “Members have been airing their significant concerns for a full calendar year about the impact of a 2024 staffing review which left the school severely understaffed. This has increased workloads to intolerable levels and undermines teachers’ statutory rights in respect of planning, preparation and assessment time.
“Despite some recent progress, which includes a potential increase in staffing, the immediate needs of members are for the restoration of appropriate conditions which allow them to discharge their obligations to students in a fair, safe and sustainable way.” Jack Roberts, Liverpool NEU branch assistant secretary, added: “While recognising the financial pressures on school leaders, it is taking far too long for members’ legitimate concerns to be taken seriously.
“Staff are working excessive hours and out of grade, just to maintain the school’s day-to-day service to students and the wider local community – and this is creating enormous stress and anxiety to a dedicated workforce. Members are striking as a last resort and have the pupils’ best interests at the heart of their decision to do so.
“Additional staffing resource is desperately needed before the school can fully live up to its published values. Governors and the City Council must push on and make an offer which can resolve this dispute without further strikes later this month being necessary.”
Mandy Hesketh, Headteacher at Redbridge High School, said: “We are having ongoing discussions with unions, the school, and HR specialist advisors to find a resolution to this dispute and will continue to do so for as long as possible to avoid unnecessary disruption to pupils and families. We remain positive that a satisfactory outcome can be agreed.
“No final decision has been made and we will provide further updates to all those concerned later on today.”