Teachers to strike over pupil violence

As reported by the BBC, teachers at a Glasgow high school are to hold 12 days of strike action over violent and abusive pupil behaviour

The NASUWT union has instructed members at Bannerman High School in Baillieston to refuse to teach pupils who are known to be threatening and abusive.

It said teachers had been told they could be sent home without pay if they refuse to stay in classrooms.

A source close to the school said the issue relates to a small number of pupils.

The union claimed teachers have been shoved, threatened, sworn at and intimidated by pupils.

Other examples of what the union described as unacceptable pupil behaviour include someone brandishing a screwdriver and causing damage to the school building, pupils refusing to follow instructions and property being stolen.

Glasgow City Council, which employs the teachers, said the NASUWT position was an ‘inaccurate reflection’ of the situation at the school.

Problems with unruly pupils at the school were first reported in May.

The NASUWT, which represents 32 teachers at the school, claimed measures agreed with the council to ensure the safety of all teaching staff were not being implemented.

The union said its members had received letters from Glasgow City Council warning that they could be sent home without pay if they refuse to stay in a classroom with a pupil who is threatening their safety.

The council says its legal view is this is because it would be considered breach of contract.

Mike Corbett, national official for the NASUWT union, said: “Where any pupil seeks to intimidate staff in classrooms, corridors and elsewhere, the council should be taking action to protect staff rather than bullying and threatening our members.

“The NASUWT will not stand by whilst any teacher suffers violence and abuse at work and whilst Glasgow City Council fails to upholds its duty of care to staff and pupils.”

The first strike is scheduled to take place on 24 November and then on 11 more days up to the school Christmas holidays.

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “The position that has been outlined by the NASUWT is an inaccurate reflection of the extensive, ongoing support by the council and senior management at the school and it is deeply upsetting that the school is once again being dragged through the media.

“The safety of our staff is taken very seriously and additional measures have been in place at the school to meet the needs of the teachers and support staff in the additional support for learning base. The refusal to teach by some members can only be seen as victimisation of young people with significant needs.

“The school has a ratio of one teacher to every three pupils in the base as well as pupil support workers with individual support plans for young people.”