NASUWT - The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

06/09/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2021 06:59

Strike action at Loughborough school over attacks on pensions

Members of NASUWT-The Teachers' Union at Loughborough Grammar School have taken the first of six planned days of strike action over moves by their employer to withdraw from the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).

Teachers at the school have been threatened with dismissal if they do not accept the proposed withdrawal from the TPS and downgrading of their pension benefits.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:
'At a time when teachers have continued to do so much for children and young people, it is deeply regrettable the school is choosing to press ahead with detrimental changes to teachers' conditions of service.
'It is wholly unacceptable that NASUWT members are facing the threat of dismissal unless they accept inferior pension arrangements.

'NASUWT members at Loughborough Grammar School are dedicated and committed professionals who care about the pupils they teach and who want nothing more than to teach and to be valued and treated fairly for the work they are doing.
'We urge the employer to reflect on its actions and to enter into negotiations with us to address the concerns of our members so that further industrial action can be avoided.'
Phil Kemp, NASUWT National President, said:
'Seeking to unilaterally force through a downgrading of pension entitlements is a breach of both teachers' contracts and the bond of goodwill and mutual trust between an employer and their employees.
'No teacher wishes to cause any disruption to pupils or parents, but in the absence of any meaningful consultation our members have regrettably been left with no other choice than to take industrial action.'