Teachers a Hoxton school vote to strike over workload
TEACHERS at a Hoxton primary school have voted unanimously to strike over claims they are being forced to do too much work.
Whitmore Primary School in Bridport Place risks closure next week after a staff ballot showed union members were overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
They are unhappy about longer working hours and excessive workloads they say a new headteacher has forced on to them since taking over in September.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) presented the school with a work-life balance agreement which is used in other schools. It says teachers at the school are currently working more than 50 hours a week.
But Whitmore headteacher Greg Wallace, who is also executive head of Woodberry Down, Mandeville and London Fields primary schools, turned it down.
All 12 NUT members voted for strike action in the ballot, which closed on Monday. The results mean weekly one-day strikes could begin this coming Monday (March 7).
Mark Lushington, Hackney’s NUT representative, said: “I think we may have to take action very early on, although we are still willing to sit down and negotiate.
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“I do not think any parent would want their children to be looked after by adults who are over stressed and subject to ill health.”
A school spokeswoman said: “Discussions at the school are ongoing and we’re working towards a resolution which will serve the best interests of our pupils.”
