Workers strike at Connaught School For Girls to defend union

Connaught School For Girls picket line

Bosses at an east London school are carrying out a vicious attack on workers’ rights. NEU union members at Connaught School For Girls in Waltham Forest are fighting against the bosses’ victimisation of a union member, bullying and excessive workload.

They struck on Tuesday and were set to strike on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Management placed a union member, who has fought for better conditions at the school, under a disciplinary investigation.

Workers say it’s because NEU members in Waltham Forest are well-organised and lead the way in taking industrial action. One worker at the school told Socialist Worker, “The reason why management is kicking up a fuss is because when we go on strike other schools in the borough notice.

“We are an inspiration for other schools and union groups. We have a proud history of being prepared to tackle injustices.” The head teacher wrote a letter to parents that spoke of a disciplinary investigation against a union member.

An NEU official said management have “leaked” this information “to justify the victimisation of an NEU member”. They said, “We believe it is an inappropriate use of the disciplinary procedure when other options were available to the school, which, in this case, they chose to ignore.”

NEU Waltham Forest joint secretary Mallainee Martin told Socialist Worker, “Poor management practices have led to significant victimisation of union members. And then the information that has been shared by management to parents has further victimised a member.”

Another NEU member argued that there is “a large failing of the school’s leadership to understand the democratic processes used within the union”. Union members voted for strikes by 62 percent on a 72 percent turnout for strikes in a formal ballot. 

They then gave two weeks of notice for industrial action. One school worker argued, “There is no reflection from management that their practices have led to this action.

“They are trying to deny union representation when people are entitled to it. It is the schools responsibility to end the dispute and so far they have failed to do so.”

On top of this, bosses are trying to use supply workers to break the strike. But union members are staying resilient and plan to strike for four days next week.

Chris, Waltham Forest NEU disabled members officer, told Socialist Worker, “We have to stand in solidarity against onslaughts against workers’ rights.”