STRIKES at a group of schools in Coventry are set to continue despite a third of staff accepting a new pension package offer.
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT who work for the Coventry School Foundation (CSF) took the second of nine days of planned strike action today (Tuesday January 14)
The strikes apply to union members at Bablake Primary and Secondary Schools, King Henry VIII primary and secondary schools, and all associated infant and prep schools.
The union members are in dispute with CSF over what they claim is the ‘removal of all teacher members from the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS)’ and the ‘threat to fire and rehire teaching staff’ – claims which are disputed by the Foundation.
Christopher Denson, National Executive Member of the NEU, said: “Despite enormous member support for the first of our strike days, the Foundation have failed to bring forward a sensible proposal to avert further strike action.
“We remain clear that withdrawal from the TPS will have a detrimental effect on educational provision in CSF schools.
“There is no justification for cutting into the pensions of our members and we have seen no meaningful evidence that the Foundation have seriously considered an alternative course of action beyond their narrow focus on the TPS.”
But the Foundation said no-one was being forced to leave the TPS – and added that over a third of staff had accepted a new improved offer to receive 19.5 per cent of their salaries in employer pension contributions, up from the 18.75 per cent which was previously on the table.
CSF Director of Communications Ginny Lovell said: “We have listened to the unions and responded with a choice of two pension package options, one of which enables staff to remain in the TPS at a revised contribution rate.
“Since these strikes began last Thursday, we have returned to the negotiating table and increased our offer to the unions. Staff can now receive 19.5 per cent of their salary in employer contributions.
“The unions refused to accept this offer so it has now been made directly to staff. Over a third of our staff have agreed to accept the offer. Several staff have left the picket line and returned to work.
“Those staff who do not respond will be invited to individual consultations to discuss their situation.
“No-one is being forced to leave the TPS. They may remain in it at the revised employer contribution rate, or opt for an alternative scheme. Everyone’s financial situation is different so we felt it only fair that we gave teachers a choice.”
Further strikes are scheduled to take place on January 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30.
