MP speaks of disappointment at short notice decision for Wombourne school staff to go on strike
An MP has spoken of his disappointment at the decision for union members at a school in his constituency to continue industrial action next week.
Kingswinford & South Staffordshire MP Mike Wood said that while he welcomed news that National Education Union (NEU) members at Kinver High School had voted to pause industrial action, he found it disappointing that staff at Wombourne High School had decided to continue the action.
The staff from Wombourne High School will go on strike from Tuesday to Thursday in the second round of industrial action regarding a dispute between union members and the Invictus Education Trust over "directed time working arrangements."
Mr Wood said he felt the strike was happening at short notice, leaving parents with little time to make alternative arrangements and said he was exploring the options to work towards a full resolution.
He said: "Whilst it is welcome news that NEU members have voted to pause industrial action at Kinver High School, members from Wombourne High School have chosen to continue industrial action, with strikes scheduled for three days next week.
"It is particularly disappointing that the strikes have been called at such short notice, leaving parents with so little time to make alternative arrangements.
"As discussed with parents from Wombourne High School during our recent meeting, I will now explore the options available to me to appropriately escalate this matter and work towards a full resolution.
"Parents also shared concerns that pupils due to sit upcoming exams and submit coursework may be disadvantaged when applying to sixth forms and colleges.
"In light of these circumstances, I am writing to local sixth forms and colleges to request that appropriate discretion is exercised when considering the assessment results and applications of students affected by this local disruption.
"In recent days I have also written to the Invictus Trust to request a comprehensive plan for making up lost classroom time resulting from strike action at Kinver and Wombourne High School. I look forward to sharing both of these letters with you in due course.
"My priority remains ensuring that every child can access the education they deserve. While I recognise the strength of feeling on all sides of this dispute, no child should be disadvantaged by missed time in the classroom through no fault of their own.
"I will continue to support a resolution to industrial action and stand with parents to call on both the Union and the Trust to work in good faith to resolve this dispute as a priority.”
The NEU and Invictus Trust have been contacted for a comment.
