Teachers from two schools are set to strike over concerns about pupil behavior, claiming their issues are being ignored by employers.
Rhondda Cynon Taff: Teachers from two schools are gearing up for a strike tomorrow. They’re really frustrated about the behavior of their students and feel like their concerns are falling on deaf ears.
Members of the NASUWT union from Ysgol Nantgwyn in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Ysgol Nantgwyn in Pontypool will gather at the Senedd at 11 am to protest. They want to make their voices heard.
Dr. Patrick Roach, the union’s general secretary, expressed that teachers are fed up with the violent and abusive behavior they face. He believes employers aren’t taking this issue seriously enough, which is affecting teachers’ health and wellbeing.
Neil Butler, the National Official for Wales, pointed out that this isn’t just a local issue. It’s a growing problem across Wales and beyond. He emphasized that teachers are turning to their union for protection from verbal and physical abuse because their employers aren’t doing enough.
While the Welsh Government has announced a behavior summit, teachers are eager for action sooner rather than later. They want a solid plan to improve behavior management in schools.
Additionally, there’s another strike happening at Lewis Girls School in Ystrad Mynach over plans to close the school and merge it with Lewis Pengam School. Teachers are worried about how this will affect their jobs and working conditions.
Dr. Roach criticized the local authority for pushing through the closure without considering the impact on teachers. He’s calling for a fair process that doesn’t lead to job losses or worsen working conditions.