After discussions were going nowhere, Hanham Woods NEU members in the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) showed us why we sometimes have to resort to strike action to get what we want. It was what was needed to improve our schools for students and for education workers
Because of this strike action management finally agreed that students should access a full and diverse curriculum and will now meet with NEU members to share plans on how they will reimplement the old curriculum.
Sadly, redundancies have not been reversed, leaving staff with higher workloads, and it will be on the CLF multiple academy trust to demonstrate how they will implement a broad and balanced curriculum with fewer staff to prevent further action.
In the meantime, students with Special Educational Needs will get a better deal though, as the strikes also won the hiring of Teaching assistants to support SEND students.
None of this would have been possible without the 3 days strike action, and the whole of the NEU stands in solidarity with those workers who boldly fought for students and staff by feeling so strongly they were actually striking on the 1st day of the academic year!
Strike action will be on hold whilst management can implement talks, curriculum changes and consider staffing. Members are now fired up though, so, management be warned- any backsliding will see more picket lines.
Education is a right, not a privilege!
Bristol Trades Union Council 