24 June 2024Techer's Dispute Continues
The NASUWT, the Teachers' Union, are in dispute with Northumberland County Council over its broken promise to protect teachers from job losses following the planned closure of all three Berwick partnership middle schools. The union has made it clear that their dispute is not about trying to get the decision to close the schools reversed, but they are trying to get the authority to put in place sufficient measures to mitigate any compulsory job losses.
NASUWT feel that recent discussions with HR have been positive and therefore they have not arranged strike action for next week (week beginning 24 June).
However, the NASUWT has given notice of potential strike action on Wednesday 3rd July and Wednesday 10th July - details as soon as possible. They really appreciate the many messages of support and solidarity in support of picket lines.
Please can Trade Council members make a note of the dates and try to support the union if at all possible.
Sarah
Berwick Trades Council
18 June 2024Fight for jobs in Berwick Schools
The campaign for jobs in the Berwick Schools reorganisation continues. There have been very successful demonstrations outside County Hall in Morpeth, with a piper outside Tweedmouth Middle School and on Berwick New Bridge.
NASUWT have sent out the following statement -
"Berwick Middle School will be closed next week on Tuesday 18th and Thursday 20th June to all students due to Industrial Strike Action.
All unions have decided to withdraw the Strike Action for Wednesday 19th June, therefore school will be open as usual on Wednesday next week.
All staff members would like to thank you all for your ongoing support."
The next schools strike action is 8am Tues 18th June at the New Bridge in Berwick.
Please support if you possibly can.
In Solidarity
Sarah
Berwick Trades Union Council
08 June 2024
Berwick Middle Schools, 6th June, update:
On 6th June Berwick teachers started the first of six planned days of strike action at the three middle schools in Northumberland where approximately 50 to 60 teachers are at threat of losing their jobs over reorganisation plans. Northumberland County Council had committed to protect staff from job losses, but they have so far failed to honour this pledge. The County Council plans to close Glendale, Tweedmouth and Berwick Middle Schools as part of a move to a primary and secondary school system. Currently, the Council is refusing to consider either redeployment or voluntary redundancy
There were excellent, well attended picket lines with banners and placards aloft and virtually every passing car honking in support. See attached pics. Berwick Trades Council's support was appreciated and mentioned in speeches. Please stay alert for a call to provide further support.
Sarah
Berwick Trads Council
06 April 2024Mick Bowman talk
Excellent talk with Mick Bowman today in Berwick discussing his trip to Palestine. We also spoke with Joan on Zoom outlining how they formed a Palestine action group in Peebles and how we can combine activities with this side of the Border.