A teacher strike will affect the ‘majority’ of schools in Hammersmith and Fulham tomorrow, a union leader has warned.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has organised a national walk-out tomorrow (March 26) in a row over pay, pensions and bigger workloads.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed that so far nine schools are due to be fully closed, 19 will be partially closed and 10 will remain open as usual.
It is unclear how the remaining schools will be affected. (A provisional list is below).
Tomorrow's action follows a regional strike in October last year, which left nearly 40 schools closed in Hammersmith and Fulham.
However, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers has decided not to join the strike this time around.
The NUT is concerned that government changes will have a damaging effect on children’s education. These include teachers having to work until they are at least 68, increasing pension contributions by 50 per cent and introducing a controversial performance related pay system.
Recent government figures show that teachers in primary schools are working 60 hours a week, which the union believes is too much and forcing teachers to quit the profession.
Dennis Charman, chairman of the local NUT branch, said: “Teacher workload is unsustainable and the thought of doing the job until 68 is driving many away from the job.
“Teacher morale is at dangerously low levels. Children need teachers who are fresh and well motivated not tired and demoralised.
“All the polls show that (Education Secretary) Michael Gove is out of touch with teachers and parents. He must listen and change direction.
“This strike is his fault. Teachers do not like taking strike action but they have no choice but to lose pay to stand up for education.
“We do apologise for the inconvenience to parents but we hope they will continue to support us.”
The NUT has also launched a major campaign, Stand Up for Education, to ensure every classroom has a qualified teacher, encourage local authorities to open new schools to meet demand, to make sure changes to the curriculum and exams are well planned, and that schools are properly funded and encouraged to work together.
How schools will be affected:
Closed:
Flora Gardens Primary School
Fulham Primary School
Langford Primary School
Old Oak Primary School
Sulivan Primary School
John Betts Primary School
St Johns Walham Green Church of England Primary School
Good Shepherd RC Primary School
Lena Gardens Primary School
Partially open (contact school for further details):
Kenmont Primary School
Melcombe Primary School
Sir John Lillie Primary School
Greenside Primary School
All Saints CofE Primary School
St Peter’s Primary School
Pope John RC School
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
Larmenier & Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Phoenix High School
William Morris Sixth Form
Woodlane High School
Jack Tizard School
Cambridge School
Sacred Heart
Fulham Boys College
Fulham Cross Girls’ School
Lady Margaret School
The Bridge Academy
Open
Miles Coverdale Primary School
New King’s Primary School
Queensmill School
St Augustine's RC Primary School
St Paul's CofE Primary School
St Stephen's CofE Primary School
Wormholt Park Primary School
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Queensmill School
West London Free School
