TAs join a rally for Jeremy Corbyn in Derby 16 August 2016 photo Steve Score, photo Steve Score

TAs join a rally for Jeremy Corbyn in Derby 16 August 2016 photo Steve Score, photo Steve Score   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Ian Hunter, Derby Socialist Party

Following negotiations and a ballot of Unison members the Derby teaching assistants’ dispute ended on 5 April. The members voted nine-to-one to accept the offer from Derby council.

The turnout for the ballot was 38%. A three-part deal has been struck between the council, schools and teaching support staff.

The teaching assistants have been in dispute with the Labour council since last summer following changes in contracts which resulted in severe cuts (up to 25%) in pay and movement to term-time working. Over the past nine months there has been a huge escalation by the workers and their supporters with a series of demonstrations and strikes steadily increasing from one-day to five-day actions and lastly an indefinite walkout.

The three-point deal includes:

  • Reintroduction of “flexible 52-week contracts for school support staff”, to be negotiated and in place for 1 September.
  • A one-off compensation payment for wages lost following contract changes from the ‘Fair Pay’ review. According to councillor Baggy Shankar the council will make £1.5 million available (a slight increase on last year’s offer), but the highest amount anyone will receive will be limited to £2,750.
  • Council, Unison and schools will work on a ‘project’ looking at the structures of schools, the role of teaching assistants, and possible changes. This is thought likely to only affect special schools, but may affect job titles, grading, and pay.

The council has said that the £1.5 million compensation package will not mean cuts in other areas. Derby council has already announced cuts of £14 million for this year.

While forcing concessions, the deal will be regarded by some as disappointing and unsatisfactory, particularly the derisory compensation payment and lack of job security.

The long struggle against Derby council has been a huge learning experience for the teaching assistants in many ways, and the solidarity they have shown will be tested in coming months during negotiations on the flexible 52-week year.