‘We’ve got to fight on until the end,’ say vital education and support staff (Photo: Guy Smallman)
Teaching assistants (TAs) at two primary schools in Camden, north London, are back on strike this week in what has become a pivotal battle against unjust pay.
The Unison union members at Richard Cobden and Primrose Hill schools are fighting to be raised from level 3 to level 4 on the pay scale so that wages reflect the jobs they do.
Other schools in the borough have already regraded their TAs.
One TA at Richard Cobden told Socialist Worker that, despite having been on strike for almost a year, they are standing firm.
“When the TAs at Primrose Hill joined us on strike that really gave us a lift,” she said.
“We’ve been out for a long time so that does take a toll but the more people who join us the stronger we feel.
“I know that there are other schools being balloted in the borough over regrading so I hope that more and more schools will strike.
“That does give us confidence that we’re having an impact.”
She explained that some strikers on fixed term contracts will have to interview in the next few weeks to remain in their current jobs.
“If you’re not on a permanent contract you are in a vulnerable position. It’s a form of intimidation,” she said.
“Management could’ve responded in different ways. If they don’t have the money in the budget to pay us more, they should be petitioning the council or campaigning for more money in schools.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. I love my job but I don’t know how we can be expected to live on these wages. People are having to look for new jobs,” she said. “How am I expected to look after my own child on this pay?”
Not far away, TAs at Primrose Hill primary school were also making it known that they are not backing down until they are paid properly for the work they do.
“We’re sticking this out. We always knew it wasn’t going to be an easy fight, but we’ve got to fight on until the end,” said one TA on the picket line.
Another TA who works in The Grove, a provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities at the school, said that a consultant from the council had come to inspect their work.
“She was so happy with the care that our children receive and the work we’re doing. It was such a boost that we needed because we’re being told that the work we do is low skilled.
“But to hear from someone outside of the school say that we’re good at our jobs and who recognised the skills and the support we give, that made me want to strike even more.”
She added, “I want to change the culture around how our work is viewed. It’s not just about teaching assistants at this school.
“It’s about all of us at every school being valued and paid what is fair.”
A staffing crisis in the NHS
Health workers set to strike across four Manchester hospitals
Bus workers rejected an offer and came back out
