Family & Education
King Solomon strikes called off
Headteacher tells parents that dispute with the NEU is now over
March 27, 2024 11:08
Headteacher tells parents that dispute with the NEU is now over
March 27, 2024 11:08Strike action at King Solomon High School in Essex by teachers affiliated to the National Education Union has been called off.
The school was closed on Wednesday and Thursday last week to all but GCSE and A-level students in the first of eight days of strikes organised by the union.
Further strikes were planned for Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
But on Tuesday, King Solomon head Michele Phillips told parents on Facebook that the dispute was now over.
“This means that the strikes have come to an end and school will be open as normal tomorrow for all students and staff,” she announced. “Tomorrow is a new dawn.”
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the school and the union said that following talks on Monday, NEU had “suspended industrial action. NEU and the school both hope that this will allow time for calm and for changes to bed in.
“The school recognises the commitment, dedication and professionalism of staff. The NEU recognises the vision and sincerity of the head in seeking improvements in the school.”
Both parties said they were “committed to positive industrial relations going forward”.
The dispute was over an improvement scheme introduced by the head, who arrived at the Orthodox state-aided school last September.
King Solomon has previously said it had met 15 out of 17 demands made by the union but would not agree to the outstanding two.