Strike to close North schools

Jul 16 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

THOUSANDS of North-East children will be forced to stay away from the classroom today for the second time in three months.

Up to 50,000 members of Unison, the UK’s largest public sector union, are staging the industrial action today and tomorrow over a below inflation pay offer of 2.45%, and the biggest disruption is likely to be felt by the parents of students at around 300 of the region’s schools as they close.

In April, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) held its biggest strike in decades supported by the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) and the University and College Union (UCU), resulting in the closure of around 500 schools in the region. Last month Unison joined forces with the NUT to stage industrial action across the further and higher education sector.

This time the national dispute sees town hall workers, teaching assistants, care workers, bin men, library workers, parks and leisure staff, cleaners, dinner ladies, council tax officers and parking attendants join picket lines from 6am in calls for a better pay deal.

A lunchtime rally for the striking workers will also be held at Newcastle Civic Centre at 12.30pm today, with speakers including Clare Williams, Unison’s regional convener and Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council.

Sue Stanhope, corporate head of personnel at Sunderland City Council said that of the authority’s 117 schools, 70 would remain open.

Northumberland County Council said last night it was prepared for the action and would ensure minimum disruption, particularly for vulnerable sectors of the community.

A spokesman said: “Services such as home care, social services, fire and rescue and highways will continue to be delivered.

“It is up to headteachers to decide on whether a school can safely stay open or not, with the safety and welfare of students being paramount in making the decision. Schools have been advised to inform parents if their school is to be affected.”

In Newcastle, two thirds of schools will shut their doors, all libraries will be closed, leisure centres will provide a limited service and refuse collection and street cleaning are expected to be severely disrupted.

A spokesman for the city council said: “To prevent bins overflowing residents and visitors are asked to retain any personal litter and dispose of this at home.”

North Tyneside Council, which has announced 46 school closures, also said it was concentrating on ensuring key services for vulnerable residents were able to remain in place, and Gateshead Council said it had urged schools to contact parents directly regarding their arrangements.

Buildings in Gateshead which will be closed include Gateshead Civic Centre, Gateshead Town Hall, waste and recycling centres at Wrekenton and Cowan Road, all libraries, leisure centres, social day care centres and the Connexions office.

Durham County Council has announced 56 school closures as well as other services and South Tyneside Council said that all services run from public buildings are unavailable until Friday.

Gill Hale, Unison, regional secretary said: “Local Government workers cannot afford to take another pay cut.”

For a full list of school closures, go to page two