Teachers strike over pay cuts and workload

Teachers at a Berkshire school have gone on strike in response to proposed changes to the Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) structure.

Staff from Maiden Erlegh School in Wokingham said the planned changes would result in "significant pay cuts" and "unsustainable increases to their workload".

The strike follows months of frustration amongst staff after the Maiden Erlegh Trust launched a consultation process to restructure TLRs across the school.

The trust said: "Like many schools and trusts across the country, Maiden Erlegh Trust is having to make difficult decisions in response to significant and ongoing funding pressures."

History teacher and NEU school rep, Tom Stewart said: "This proposal undervalues the expertise and dedication of teachers who have gone above and beyond, especially during recent challenging years and excellent feedback from Ofsted."

However, staff said the proposed changes would see many teachers stand to lose key responsibilities and corresponding pay, while being expected to take on additional duties.

Science teacher and NEU school rep, Tracey Noden-Hooper said: "Instead of recognising their efforts, the Trust is proposing cuts that would leave some teachers thousands of pounds worse off while increasing their workload."

"This strike is a last resort," Rachel Teale, Geography teacher and NEU school rep said "our members do not want to disrupt students' education, but they will not stand by while their pay and working conditions are worsened.

"Under a model that involves removing TLR roles while leaving the responsibilities largely in place, meaning those tasks will simply be pushed onto other colleagues, increasing pressure across the board."

The National Education Union (NEU) is calling on the Trust to cancel the restructure and enter meaningful negotiations with union representatives.

It said teachers want a fair and equitable system that recognises their contribution and ensures high standards of teaching without jeopardising staff wellbeing.

In a statement Maiden Erlegh Trust said that following an independent review by a School Resource Management Adviser, "we are implementing a range of cost-saving measures... to ensure our schools remain financially sustainable against the backdrop of funding decline".

It added: "We recognise how difficult this situation is for our community.

"Our priority remains to support our staff and students, and protect the quality of education."

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