Teaching assistants working at Richard Cobden school in Camden take three days of industrial action
Over twenty teaching assistants working at a school in Camden took three days of industrial action last week.
The staff walked out in a row following a restructure, in which a number of support staff posts were deleted, and teaching assistants (TAs) were given some additional duties.
Camden UNISON opposed these redundancies and the excess workload that they created, as well as arguing that the TAs job should become NJC Scale 4, which was what the union evaluated it at. When management did not agree and rejected UNISON’s alternative proposal, staff were balloted for industrial action. They achieved the 50% turnout threshold, and voted 100% for strike action.
UNISON Camden branch secretary Liz Wheatley said: “Teaching assistants decided they were going to make a stand and fight for the education that pupils deserve, and to be paid properly to provide it.
“It was great to see the picket line was well supported by parents and teachers at the school, and by trade unionists across the country.
“Plans are being made for further campaigning and industrial action if needed, including lobbying of the council, a public meeting and much more. For more information and to send solidarity messages, please email unison@camden.gov.uk”