Mulgrave Primary School in Woolwich will be closed for three days starting today due to a strike by support staff who are opposing a proposed restructure. This means parents and students will be facing locked gates until Friday.
The staff members, including teaching assistants and early years workers, who are part of Unite, GMB, and Unison unions, are against the plans that would result in 14 job cuts. The unions claim that these proposals were put forth by the Greenwich council.
While the council has chosen not to comment on the matter, stating it is a concern for the unions and the school, Unite regional officer Mary Summers expressed that the staff members are crucial to the school and urged parents to direct their frustrations towards the council and school management for their decision to potentially make staff redundant.
In addition to the job cuts, the proposed changes involve removing flexible working options, imposing extra unpaid responsibilities, and reducing the pay of remaining workers, according to the unions. This strike follows a previous one-day strike in September in opposition to the same proposals.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham emphasized the union’s commitment to prioritizing the jobs, pay, and conditions of workers, stating that the council’s treatment of its staff is unacceptable. She assured the staff at Mulgrave Primary School of Unite’s full support during this time.
The closure of the school due to the strike will undoubtedly have an impact on students and parents. This unexpected disruption may lead to challenges for parents who rely on the school for childcare and students who will miss out on valuable learning time. It is crucial for all parties involved to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of the staff while minimizing the impact on the education and well-being of the students.
