The school said it has “listened closely” to staff concerns
LIPA School has begun “implementing an action plan with immediate effect” over management concerns, a spokesperson for the school has said. It comes after teachers at the school announced plans to strike following worries about “safeguarding, health and safety, and pupil behaviour.”
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) announced today that staff will be striking at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts after concerns were raised over “health and safety, adverse management practices and dangerous pupil behaviour”.
The NASUWT said it has met with leaders at the school but no progress had been made. Matt Wrack, Acting General Secretary for NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said: “Academy trusts have a duty of care to their teachers and that means engaging with trade unions to ensure that everyone is working in a safe, supportive environment.
“Ignoring a trade union is not an option. LIPA School teachers have urgent concerns over critical areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, and pupil behaviour, but leaders just aren’t listening.
“This must be rectified immediately for the sake of staff and pupils, and we urge leaders to get back around the table with us to find a speedy, safe resolution.”
Bryan McConnell, National Executive Member for District 6, said: “We have been left with no option than to move to strike action as a result of the failure of the employer to address adverse management practices which are affecting the welfare of staff and their ability to do their job safely.
“Teachers feel as if their physical and mental wellbeing doesn’t matter to this employer, and that cannot go on.”
A spokesperson for the LIPA Multi Academy Trust said: “We have listened closely to our staff and NASUWT union reps and have begun implementing an action plan with immediate effect to remedy the points raised.
“We have committed to regular follow up meetings to demonstrate that progress is being made.”
A picket line will take place at LIPA from 7.45am to 8.45am on May 20-May 22. Further strike action and picket lines are also planned for June 2-June 4.
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