Strikes at Horncastle schools trust paused after breakthrough talks
Impending strike action by teaching staff at a group of Lincolnshire schools has been paused after a breakthrough in negotiations between bosses and unions.
Teaching and support staff affiliated to the National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT had been due to go out on strike again this month after being unable to reach agreement in an ongoing dispute over staff cuts, working conditions, union recognition and the future organisation of schools within the Horncastle Education Trust as it moved to cut spiralling costs.
Members have held multiple strikes over the past year affecting the Trust’s schools – Banovallum School and Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Horncastle, New York and Frithville Primary School in Boston and Huttoft Primary School.
In an attempt to resolve the dispute, the unions and the Trust met with third-party conciliation service ACAS on Thursday (September 10) and agreed that the strikes on September 15, 23, 24, 29, 30 and October 1 would be paused and a draft Trade Union Recognition Agreement was drawn up, which is a negotiating mechanism for discussing working terms and conditions.
Horncastle Education Trust trustees would meet on Tuesday (September 15) to discuss the agreement and the two sides would discuss outcome the following day.
In a statement, the NEU said that if trustees voted to accept the agreement, the NEU will withdraw all proposed dates for industrial action. At the same time, the dispute will remain live to ensure members are able to hold the trust accountable should they decide to dishonour the agreement.
They added: “Staff across the Trust fundamentally agreed that any form of strike action is a last resort and the NEU and NASUWT remains committed to resolve these matters amicably. The children are at the heart of everything we do which is why staff are so keen for regular negotiations to take place which will prevent future industrial escalations.”
A spokesperson from the NEU commented: “The drafting of a trade union recognition agreement is a positive step forward in resolving the dispute. Members have lots of concerns about the impact of the
restructure last academic year and what transferring into a different trust will look like. Ensuring the unions and employer have a mechanism for regular meetings is a great way to ease members concerns
and ensure they feel heard through the transfer process.”
In a letter to parents and carers, the Trust Chief Executive Officer, Sandra James said they would continue to work on a resolution to the remaining issues.
“This means that our schools will be open as normal,” she said.
“We are committed to working together to bring the dispute to an end, and I thank you all for your continued patience.”