MORE THAN 50 SCHOOL CLOSURES IN STRIKE HIT BRUM

22-04-2008

This week’s planned two-day strike by Birmingham Council workers is already starting to bite. At least 20 schools will be closed tomorrow on the first day of action over the city’s Single Status review, while more than 50 are affected on Thursday when teachers are also due to walk out over pay.

Council officials have pledged to do all they can to minimise reduction, and Chief Executive Stephen Hughes has apologised in advance for any disruption to the public.

Hughes says that 63% of staff have already accepted new contracts under Single Status, and repeated claims made by his boss – the Cabinet Member for HR Alan Rudge – that union officials had reneged on a deal to hold a new ballot on an improved offer.

He added: “Unfortunately, this has not taken place, meaning thousands of employees have been denied the chance to consider proposals which for many will lead to improved pay, leave entitlement and conditions of employment.

"I would therefore urge all staff to carefully consider their individual circumstances, and take time to understand the truth about the review, before they decide whether to take part in the stoppage or not."

Hughes stars in a Council video aimed at persuading staff to cross the picket lines which you can see here.

It’s clear that many workers have already decided to ignore the request, with at least 20 schools scheduled to close on Wednesday because of action by a range of ancillary workers including classroom assistants and caretakers who are employed by the local authority. (For the full list of closures see below).

On Thursday, their action will combine with a one-day teachers strike over the government’s latest pay offer, which will force 56 schools to at least partially close (again, the list is below).

The same day will also see lecturers, Job Centre staff and other civil servants taking part in a 24-hour stoppage over pay – signifying the biggest outbreak of public sector unrest since the 80’s.

Union sources suggest that Council workers who want to strike but can’t afford to lose two days pay will at least come out on Thursday, when a major rally is planed for Chamberlain Square.

Officials are upbeat about industrial action and expect at least 9,000 staff to support the strike – the same number as walked out in February (see link here and another link here)

The unions also deny claims that any deal was agreed with management over the Single Status pay review (see link here).

To understand the issue from their point of view, click here

Schools closed on Wednesday 23/4:  Billesley Primary School, Broadmeadow Infant & Nursery School, Brookvale Primary School, Calthorpe School, Chad Vale Primary School, Conway Primary School, George Dixon Junior & Infant School, Gracelands Nursery School, Hamilton School, Hobmoor Primary School, Kings Heath Primary School, Lyndon Green Infant School, Lyndon Green Junior School,
Montgomery Primary School, Oscott Manor School, Primrose Hill Community School, St Benedict's Infant School, St John's Ladywood Church of England Primary School, Ward End Primary School, Welford Primary School


Schools closed or partially Thursday, 24/4 (* denotes partial closure – parent should check with the school directly.)

 
Adderley Primary School*, Albert Bradbeer JI, Aston Manor School*, Baverstock School*, Benson Community School, Billesley Primary School, Birches Green Infant School, Birchfield Community School, Blakenhale Infant School*, Blakesley Hall Primary School, Bordesley Green Girls' School, Brookvale Primary School, Calthorpe School, Chad Vale Primary School, Conway Primary School, Cotteridge Primary School, Cromwell Junior & Infant School, Deykin Avenue Junior & Infant School*, George Dixon Junior & Infant School, Great Barr School, Grestone Primary, Harborne Primary School, Hobmoor Primary School, Hollyfield Primary School, Kings Heath Primary School, Ley Hill Primary (NC) School, Lyndon Green Infant School, Lyndon Green Junior School, Mere Green Combined School, Montgomery Primary School, Nansen Primary School, Osborne Primary School, Oscott Manor School, Paget Primary School*, Park View School, Plantsbrook School, Primrose Hill Community School, Redhill J & I School*, Shenley Court Specialist Arts College, St Benedict's Infant School*, St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, St Dunstan's Catholic Primary School*, St Gerard's Catholic Primary School, St John's Ladywood Church of England Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Nechells, St Mary and St John Junior and Infant School, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School*, Stanville J & I (NC) School, Swanshurst School, Tindal School, Turves Green Boys Technology and Humanities College, Turves Green Primary School, Welford Primary School, Wheelers Lane Primary (NC) School*, Wyndcliffe Primary (NC) School, Yardleys School,

For up-to-date information on how individual services may be affected during the dispute go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/strike