Derby school support staff strike against pay cuts

Schools affected across the city as 500 protest outside Council House over imposed changes to contracts

School workers in Derby braved the midsummer drizzle to demonstrate for fair pay yesterday, as part of a one-day strike.

At least 500 UNISON members and supports took part in the protest outside Derby’s Council House this morning,

They are taking action against changes to their contracts, imposed from the beginning of this month, which could see many lose up to 25% of their pay – averaging £300-£400 a month.

Today’s action by UNISON has seen around 30 schools closed across the city, and more than 20 partially closed.

UNISON Derby City branch is calling on the council to rethink its imposition of changes.

“Strike action is not something that is taken lightly,” said UNISON schools convenor Sue Bonser.

“Our dispute is about changes to terms and conditions which have resulted in severe loses for support staff. The decision by Derby City Council to reduce our hours will have a negative impact on the learning of the children of Derby.”

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