Bullying claims spark strike at Flintshire school
Teachers at Flint High School will take strike action on Wednesday 10 September in a dispute over claims of workplace bullying and pupil behaviour.
The National Education Union Cymru said members were striking because of what they describe as bullying behaviour from the headteacher and a failure by the school’s leadership to address serious behaviour issues.
Union officials said discussions with the school had taken place over the past two years but claimed there had been little progress in addressing staff concerns. Members say the health, safety and wellbeing of both staff and pupils remain at risk.
Nicola Fitzpatrick, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said: “Our members in Flint High School feel they have no choice but to take industrial action. No one takes the decision to go out on strike lightly, but by choosing to strike, our members are sending a clear message to the school that they will not tolerate threats to their own or the pupils’ health, safety and wellbeing, and that they deserve dignity in the workplace.
“The employer is failing to deal with the workplace bullying and the pupil behaviour and this is having a detrimental effect on learning.
“Over a period of nearly two years members have stood together and are demonstrating a level of collective solidarity which should inspire all workers to demand dignity in their workplace. Members striking today do so with the full backing of the wider union, the largest education trade union in Europe.
“Teachers cannot teach, and pupils cannot learn in an environment where there is this level of disruption, and our members will continue to take action until these issues have been dealt with appropriately.”
Cheryl Latham, NEU Flintshire Branch Secretary, said: “We were horrified by the bullying behaviour which members told us about when we first met with them. We advised members that they had to stand up for themselves, and they have done so with remarkable courage.
“I know that the wider NEU membership will back them in their pursuit of workplace justice.”
Flintshire County Council is expected to release a statement today regarding to industrial action.
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