Teachers at a Homerton secondary school have voted overwhelming for strike action over the ‘victimisation’ of their trade union representative.

Members of the National Union of Teachers at Cardinal Pole Catholic School, which is split between Kenworthy Road and Victoria Park Road, backed walkout plans by 30 votes to four, according to the results released on Tuesday (July 12).

They are angry over the treatment of their NUT representative at the school Peter Domokos, who has been suspended from teaching for over a month.

Mark Lushington, Hackney’s NUT spokesman, said: “While we are extremely pleased about the resounding success of this ballot in support of our representative, we are still extremely concerned about what is in our view an improper suspension.

“We think this it is victimisation on the grounds of trade union activity.

“It is a shame it has come to this but the management really need to get their act together.”

He welcomed a meeting with the school’s governing body scheduled for today (Thursday). But plans for strike action next Thursday (July 21) were being formulated.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “A disciplinary process is underway and we are therefore unable to comment on this case. We regret any action taken by the union that may prejudice the education of our young people and do not feel it would be in their best interests.”

This decision to strike came one day after the NUT called off action at Clapton Girls’ Technology School in Laura Place, Lower Clapton, after an agreement was reached between the headteacher and the union group. Teachers had been planning to walk out over the consultation on the school’s academy plans and employment conditions.

Mr Lushington said: “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached and that national terms and conditions will continue to apply.”