TEACHERS who are members of the NASUWT union in Holton Primary School, Barry will take part in the first of six planned days of strike action tomorrow - Wednesday, December 4

The action is over alleged adverse management practices relating to staff restructuring and the alleged detrimental and inappropriate treatment of members which is impacting their health and welfare.

The Vale council said it was disappointed the union was taking this course of action.

General secretary (acting) of the NASUWT, Chris Keates said: “NASUWT members at Holton regret any disruption this strike action causes to pupils or parents, but they have been left with no choice other than to take this action due to the repeated failure of the employer to take seriously their concerns about the way in which they are being managed.

“Members have reported extremely high levels of work-related stress and anxiety as a result of unrealistic expectations and unreasonable deadlines being imposed on them.

“When they have attempted to discuss this with the employer their concerns have been dismissed.

“The NASUWT has repeatedly attempted to work with the employer to find a resolution to the dispute, but the concerns of members remain unaddressed.

“We hope that the employer will recognise the need to take its duty of care to its employees seriously so that further strike action can be avoided.”

NASUSWT executive member for Vale of Glamorgan, Mark Morris said: “Many of the issues at Holton centre on the inappropriate implementation of statutory and local provisions by the school management and we are calling on the local authority to investigate and act to tackle this

“That members have felt they had no option other than to take strike action is indicative of the strength of feeling amongst them.

“That they have to resort to such action in order to defend their statutory entitlements is appalling.

“The disclosure of health, safety and welfare concerns has been ignored.

“It is time that local authorities in Wales recognise their duties to all employees and implement and enforce the statutory duties required of them.

“Without these conditions being added to teachers’ statutory terms and conditions and properly regulated by Estyn then inappropriate implementation of Welsh Government policy will continue to founder on lack of funding and the exploitation of teachers’ goodwill – to the detriment of their health.”

A Vale council spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that the NASUWT has decided to take this course of action when lines of communication remain open.

“As an authority, we remain committed to further engagement with the union in an effort to get this matter resolved at the earliest opportunity.”

Further days of strike action are planned for Wednesday, December 18 and January 15, 16, 29, and 30, 2020.