Coventry school staff are striking for three days over pension disputes, marking their longest walkout yet in a series of ongoing protests.
This strike started today and will last until Thursday. It’s the third time in just a few weeks that staff have walked out. More strike dates are already planned for later this month.
The dispute is with the Coventry Foundation over pension changes. The NEU union says staff must choose between staying in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or moving to a new one. They argue that the reduced contributions feel like a pay cut.
However, the Coventry Foundation disagrees, claiming there’s no pay cut involved. They say a third of staff have already switched to the new scheme and returned to work.
The Foundation’s director explained that rising employer contributions to pensions have put a strain on finances. They’ve had to make tough decisions to keep the schools running.
They also mentioned that independent schools face different challenges than state schools. The Foundation insists they value their teachers and have made a competitive offer.
Despite the strikes, they’ve returned to negotiations and increased their offer. Staff can now receive 19.5% of their salary in employer contributions.
The union rejected this offer, but many staff are still considering it. The Foundation emphasizes that no one is forced to leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
They believe it’s fair to give teachers a choice based on their financial situations. The Foundation is committed to ensuring the schools remain financially viable for the future.
