Dozens of schools to close in strike action
More than 70 schools and colleges across Staffordshire and the Black Country will be closed on Thursday because of union strikes. And the list is likely to grow even longer as more headteachers declare their intentions today.
More than 70 schools and colleges across Staffordshire and the Black Country will be closed on Thursday because of union strikes. And the list is likely to grow even longer as more headteachers declare their intentions today.
Thousands of youngsters will miss a day of education when more than 10,000 teachers and lecturers across the Midlands take part in the mass walk-out. They are opposed to pension reforms being proposed by the Government. Around 78 schools and colleges in total will shut, according to local authorities.
But the number of closed schools could be much higher. Many parents are not being told about the fate of their child's school until today or tomorrow, leaving them with little time to take a day off work or organise child care.
In Staffordshire 10 are so far confirmed as being affected and will shut for the day. In Wolverhampton, 21 schools are confirmed as being shut, with four listed as partially open to certain year groups.
Meanwhile in Dudley, 34 schools will be closed, with 32 open to some classes only. Ten schools in Sandwell be be closed, with two partially closed.
The action is part of a national day of strikes by teachers, lecturers and civil servants over pensions and cuts to jobs, services and pay.
Teachers' unions including the National Union of Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers voted for strike action last week to protect their pensions.
Members of the University and College Union have also pledged their support.
NUT branches in the West Midlands have around 6,900 active members with the majority of the members are set to take part. The number of ATL members who could go on strike is 2,497.
