Strike ballot opens in 18 Harris schools and colleges

The NEU’s formal strike ballot of over 700 members in 18 Harris secondaries and sixth form colleges opened on Monday 20th January, and is set to close on 28th February.

The ballot cites excessive levels of workload, a punitive pay progression system, and the unfair treatment of Caribbean and other overseas trained teachers.

Members said conditions in Harris-run schools and colleges are having an impact on teacher retention, as data revealed that at the end of summer term 2023, a quarter of teachers (27%) in Harris schools left their roles.

This is far higher than in local authority maintained schools, where only one in seven (15%) teachers stepped down from their positions.

The indicative ballot, prior to the formal ballot, had an 80% turnout with a 92% yes vote for strike action.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Our members care deeply about education and its role in transforming pupils’ lives.

“But for many working in Harris schools the work is no longer sustainable, with over a quarter of Harris teachers leaving last year.

“All employers make choices about where and how they spend their money. Harris has the highest paid executives in the country.