Teachers across the country including in our area went on strike on Wednesday (1 February) in an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions.  

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) are striking in a disagreement with the government, which has led to many classrooms being closed and some year groups told to stay at home. 

Teachers from Glossopdale School created a picket line on Newshaw Lane, close to the Hadfield school, as they stood with placards and flags that represent their union but also expressed their feelings towards the government. Some of the messages included ‘education is not a luxury’ and ‘I’m not angry I’m just disappointed’. 

Teaching staff intend on striking over seven dates which are already confirmed and stretch into March. This represents the largest vote for strike action with 90.44% of teachers voting ‘yes’ after a turnout of 53.27%. 

Teachers say the strike action is a result of two major issues - a lack of government funding and poor pay for teachers. 

Mick Connolly, a teacher from Glossopdale School, told the Chronicle: “There has been drastic underfunding for over a decade at schools and it’s got to the point where schools are struggling to get sufficient teachers in to teach their subjects also we’re having teachers now who are having to double up to teach subjects that they’ve never been trained for.” 

In response, a government minister has described the strike action by the NEU as ‘hugely disappointing’. 

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “These strikes will have a significant impact on children's education, especially following the disruption of the past two years, and are creating huge uncertainty for parents. 

“With talks ongoing on a range of issues, including around future pay, workload, behaviour and recruitment and retention, it is clear that strikes are not being used as a last resort.” 

Images by Nigel Wood

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