Commenting on the first of six scheduled strike days by National Education Union teacher members working in Girls’ Day School Trust independent schools, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“Thursday saw an historic strike by NEU teacher members who work in Girls’ Day School Trust’s 23 independent schools. A small number of retired and non-retired, teaching and support staff from the Isle of Wight crossed the Solent in the early morning to support staff at Portsmouth High School, who desire to keep their present pension rights.
“This is the first day of strike action in the Trust’s 149-year history. Staff gathered outside several school entrances, in order to explain their position. Many members of the public stopped to enquire what was going on – the overwhelming vast majority indicating support.”
Support for others
Drivers tooted horns and local residents preparing for their day waved and smiled from their windows opposite school gates.
Several young people on their way to school were keen to understand what was happening and were sympathetic to the pensions issue.
Shreeve: The Trust’s finances are in ‘good health’
Mr Shreeve added,
“Strike action is regrettable, but any pension cuts are undesirable. If enacted, they will be extremely costly to staff. In addition, it will certainly impact on future staff recruitment and hurt pupils’ education.
“Around the country, GDST teachers, parents and alumnae showed their strength of feeling. This is set to continue with further strike days on 23rd and 24th February and in early March. But this can all be averted if the Trust withdraws its plan fully and without caveat and immediately.
“Ultimately, membership of teacher’s pensions is the expectation of most teachers nationally. It is ‘affordable’ for the GDST, as the Trust’s finances are in ‘good health’.
“The Girls’ Day School Trust is a registered charity. Teaching staff there are not! They need pension security and pension equity, which the national pension scheme provides.”
News shared by Peter on behalf of National Education Union, Isle of Wight Branch. Ed
