A ONE day strike is being held by teachers at Barry Comprehensive School over attempts to dock the pay of staff who do not attend "voluntary activitiy".

Union official Rex Phillips, NASUWT, said: "The NASUWT made strenuous efforts to persuade both the school and the Vale of Glamorgan authority that their view that teachers could be directed to attend voluntary activities is incorrect.

“Sadly, the school and the authority have closed their minds to reasoned argument and have docked the pay of those members who decided not to volunteer.

“In such circumstances, our members have been left with no option other than to take strike action.”

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Wales, said: “It is highly regrettable that our members at Barry Comprehensive School have been left with no option other than to take this action.

“The actions of the employer have been unreasonable and provocative.

“Taking strike action was the only option left to teachers in the face of such a punitive stance.

“The NASUWT is proud of the stand our members at Barry Comprehensive School are making today, as it send a clear message that where a school or local authority fails to respect teachers’ contractual provisions and lawful industrial action, they will be faced with an escalation of action."