OGAT strike action to continue into July
The dispute is over an increase to workload created by a proposed extension to the school day
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National Education Union (NEU) members in fourteen Outwood Grange Academy (OGAT) secondary schools across the country will continue striking throughout July.
The dispute is over an increase to workload created by a proposed extension to the school day, though ongoing talks are in place to find a resolution. ACAS talks have also been scheduled for 10 July.
However, according to the NEU, “until such time as a clear picture emerges of how workload will be reduced, members are not willing to stop the action”.
Dates set for action are 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16 and 17 July.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, said: “NEU teacher members at OGAT have not taken industrial action lightly. They have continued to support children with additional classes for exam revision. While no teacher wants to be taking strike action any move that leads to an increase in teacher workload is clearly unacceptable.
“Most teachers leave the profession before their fourth year of teaching. Excessive workload and pay are the main causes, leading to stress and burnout. In this context, OGAT’s proposal to extend the school day, and therefore increasing teacher and support staff workload, shows a serious lack of judgement and understanding of the day-to-day pressures which teachers are facing.”
He added: “The trust must listen to its workforce and resolve this dispute to ensure teacher workload does not escalate, for the benefit of both school staff and the children they teach.”
