Teachers at Lincoln school are striking over ‘unacceptable behaviours’

Teachers will be walking out of the classrooms at a Lincolnshire school to strike over ‘unacceptable management behaviours’.

National Education Union members at National Education Union members will be forming picket lines outside at Sir Francis Hill Community School in Lincoln today (Tuesday, April 23) and tomorrow (Wednesday) to try to force Lincolnshire County Council to take action.

Members are say the county council has failed to adequately tackle unacceptable management behaviours and practices in the workplace and a failure to establish effective industrial relations and local school-based negotiating and consultative structures.

Kashmir Bilgan, Regional Officer, East Midlands NEU, added: “The majority of Sir Francis Hill staff members are justifiably frustrated and upset with how they have been treated for so long. They deserve to be treated as the professionals that they are and to be respected and listened to, not intimidated and undermined. They deserve working conditions where they can raise concerns without fear of repercussions and recriminations. The leadership of the school has failed to build trust with staff, and have driven many to leave the school, and in some cases, end their careers.

“Our members are committed to making Sir Francis Hill a school the whole community can be proud of. That will not be achieved by sweeping serious concerns under the carpet and expecting staff to continue as though nothing has happened. The school needs to sort the issues immediately, re-establish trust and confidence and bring in proper measures to build good industrial relations with its employees and unions. We urge the school’s decision makers to stop evading and start doing their jobs.”

The union says there have been delays in responding to members concerns, and a lack of information have left many concerned about the employer’s willingness to deal with unacceptable management practices. They say this is continuing to have a negative impact on staff and pupils.

Lucy Hopley, East Midlands NEU Regional Secretary said: “NEU members at Sir Francis Hill have reached the end of their tether. Despite a number of attempts to reach a resolution through the employer’s own processes they have seen little progress. Our members deserve to be treated with respect and dignity while at work, and the employer needs to take their concerns seriously.

“We hope that members voices are heard, and that the employer meaningfully engages with us, so we can find a way forward.’’

Martin Smith, assistant director for children’s education, said: “We are aware of the planned strike action at Sir Francis Hill Community Primary School. The school has written to parents about the impact this will have, and the steps they are taking to mitigate this as far as possible. The council is in contact with the school, providing support and advice, and we will continue to do so. We understand that both sides are engaged in discussions to find a solution in the best interests of all involved.”

We have approached the county council for a comment.

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