Teachers in strike action over pension row

Schools across the borough will be hit by strike action next week, following a row over pensions.

Hundreds of teachers are preparing to strike on Thursday 30 June, which will result in some schools closing for the day.

So far 33 schools have confirmed they will be closing and there will be partial closures at a further 36 schools.

The teachers, who are members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), will walk out for the one day strike.

The teachers’ strike stems from a row over proposed changes to pensions which will them having to pay more, receive less and retire later.

It would be the first national strike in the ATL’s 127-year history. Turnout in its ballot was 35 per cent with 83 per cent of those in favour. Results from the NUT’s ballot showed 92 per cent of members were in favour on a turnout of 40 per cent.

Secretary of the Rochdale Branch of the ATL, Mark Baker estimated that roughly 600 teachers will strike, he said: “We have never been on strike before and this union has been going for 127 years, I think the fact that our members are so angry with what the government is doing sends a message in itself.

“There is a sense of betrayal, I have been teaching for 18 years and it is a bit late now to say they are changing the goal posts.

“It was quite clearly understood how the teachers’ pension work – it’s not the best wage in the word, but there would be a modest pension at the end, that was fine.

“The proposed changes are so radical, it’s not just a bob or two, it is a third of someone’s pension.”

Mr Baker continued: “I never considered in my career that I would be going on strike, but I either lose a third of my pension, or I do something about it.

“I am resentful of the position I am in.

“I am desperate for nothing to happen in terms of action.

“All we are asking for is some negotiations.”

Speaking about the impact the strikes will have on children and parents, Mr Baker said: “It is not easy. There is no satisfaction at all in any of my colleagues taking action.

“We understand the impact on parents but in the long term we are trying to save a quality profession”

The branch secretary of the Rochdale NUT, Nick Wigmore, was unavailable for comment at the time of publication, however, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “Teachers do not take strike action lightly but the overwhelming support for action by NUT members shows that teachers feel what is happening to their pensions is wrong.

“The NUT will continue to take part in the TUC-led negotiations with Government on pensions.  So far there is no evidence that the Government is taking those talks seriously.  We hope that our action and that of the ATL will persuade the Government to change its attitude.”

School closures can be viewed here: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/education_and_learning/schools_and_colleges/school_closures.aspx