Staff at Bulwell Academy, Nottingham, have taken strike action in January against unacceptable management behaviours, to improve consultation, and reduce excessive workload. Pickets of both NEU and NASUWT education unions were 40-50 strong, and got support from parents and students. Socialist Party members have visited the picket lines in support.
Sheana Wheatley, NEU secretary, said to the Socialist:
“Thanks to all for solidarity. There have been some developments. [At the end of January] we picketed and then had a meeting to decide next steps. Members decided that although the dispute is not fully resolved, the barrier to resolution is not present on site. In those circumstances, members suspended the rest of the action and returned to school.
“We agreed to continue to support and engage fully with improving processes for communications and ‘T&L’ (Training and Learning). But additional strike dates have been asked for and approved for after half term if they are needed.
“They are a really fantastic set of staff and have put the children and community first throughout.”
