UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis today sent a message of support on behalf of UNISON’s national executive council to UNISON members taking strike action tomorrow at Downhills primary school in Haringey.
UNISON members at the school are joining with parents and other workers to take a stand against the bullying tactics of education secretary Michael Gove, who is trying to force the school to become an academy.
Mr Gove has caused outrage by sacking the school’s governors and saying that Downhills has no choice but to become an academy, even though there is no evidence that academy status will automatically have an effect.
The move has come in spite of the improvements that the school has made.
In his message Mr Prentis told those taking action that “the tremors of the government’s decision are being felt across the country and other schools facing the same threat are looking to you to take the lead.”
He said that he “would like to offer the full support and solidarity of UNISON’s national executive council.
“You are making a brave stand, taking action alongside teachers and parents to oppose your school being bullied into becoming an academy.”
I wish all UNISON members in Downhills Primary School the very best of luck in your campaign.