Members of the National Education Union (NEU) held strikes this morning (Tuesday) at the Mallory Building, Birkenhead in the Wirral.
They walked out as part of a row over workload and pay for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) staff.
Bora Oktas, regional officer for the NEU, said: “They are on strike for the reason they have been offered a pay cut through a restructuring process.
“We approached the council on a number of occasions and they refused to meet with us. When they eventually met, the meeting didn’t last longer than eight minutes.
“They are not interested in resolving this dispute. Most of them are qualified teachers … you need to have expertise (to do this job).”
Mr Oktas added that the dispute was taking its toll on the workers’ private lives and relationships at home. On top of very stressful jobs, the council were adding to their stress. He described the council’s actions as “a total insult”.
“Those men who cut these humans wages are not even coming down to say hello, ” Mr Oktas said.
“They are not genuine in these negotiations meetings. This local authority is not only failing the workers, they are failing the families who need the support of the SEND team members.
“We told them if you are not interested in resolving this, we will be here every day. It doesn’t take much for them to listen to us.”
His members were very determined, he said: “They are not going anywhere.
“Nobody wants to be on strike, nobody stands here in the rain and the cold but they are doing it for those families.”
Wirral council have been approached for comment.
Listen to Amun Bains’ interview with Oktas here:
Featured image (c) Amun Bains
