Nick Chaffey, Socialist Party southern region
National Education Union (NEU) members at Oasis Academy Lordshill in Southampton took strike action on Tuesday 25 June, demanding action to address staff and student safety in dealing with difficult and challenging behaviour.
NEU members explained: “This has been brewing since February and management has done nothing. This is not about money – Oasis gives every student an iPad. This is about supporting staff to do a good job for our students. There is huge staff turnover and use of agency teachers, which means students don’t get the consistent support they need. Unless this is addressed, nothing will improve.”
Messages of support from NEU members in the Oasis academy chain and beyond gave strikers taking action for the first time a huge boost. Their action forced the school to close, with a large number joining the lively picket line.
Support from Southampton and South West Hampshire Trades Union Council was welcomed, alongside backing from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate Maggie Fricker, an NHS worker standing in the school’s constituency.
“This issue is a problem in schools everywhere in Southampton and the strikes could well spread if nothing is done. We are planning further strike action if our demands are not met next week, including election day.”
- Southampton TUSC election rally: Tuesday 2 July 7.30pm, Edmund Kell Hall, SO15 2AY
