GDST strike at Howell’s school

After taking 4 days of strike action, NEU teacher members employed at Howell’s School in Llandaff, one of the 23 independent schools run by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), have voted to accept the offer made by the employer after last week’s talks with the National Education Union at ACAS.

Following their unprecedented strike action, teachers have won the right to stay in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme; the threat of fire and rehire has been withdrawn; and an enhanced pay offer has been made for all staff, teachers, and support staff.

Sadly, the NEU and GDST were unable to reach an agreed negotiated settlement. A significant concern for the union remains the proposal to close the scheme to new teachers. The union and its members at the GDST trust schools believe this decision by the trust is short sighted and will lead to a two-tier system and recruitment difficulties in the future.

NEU members are relieved to be returning to the classroom. However, there is now significant work to be done to try and rebuild the staff’s trust and confidence in the GDST which has been so diminished by this dispute.

David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said: “NEU members working at Howell’s School should be proud of their solidarity, resolution and spirit, shown throughout this dispute. In standing up for their rights they were forced to take unprecedented and historic strike action to defend their pensions. Our members at GDST, 80% of them women, gave a lesson in the values that they seek to instil in the girls they educate: being principled, knowing your worth, and standing up for what is right – values we in Wales all hold dear. NEU members will continue to be supported by their union.”