Members of NASUWT-The Teachers' Union at the Together Trust (Ashcroft School and Ashcroft College) in Cheadle will be taking the first of six planned days of strike action tomorrow (Tuesday 26 February).
This action is as a result of adverse changes which have been made to teachers' pay and conditions of service and the refusal of the employer to recognise trade unions.
"Teachers at the Together Trust are dedicated professionals; committed to the pupils they teach.
"Unfortunately, their dedication and commitment, has not prevented their Employer from making adverse changes to their pay and conditions, leaving them with no choice but to take strike action.
"Teachers' working conditions are inextricably linked to the provision of high quality education for pupils.
"The Trust has removed teachers from the national terms and conditions of service which were introduced to raise standards of education.
"In addition, the Trust has made changes to the staffing structure which has had further adverse impacts on terms and conditions of service, including pay.
"Teachers at the Trust are now paid less that their colleagues in other schools, despite their specialist skills and experience.
"Cutting teachers' pay, worsening their working conditions will impact not just on the teachers but also on the provision of education for pupils across the Trust.
"Retention and recruitment of teachers will be badly affected.
"Strike action is always a last resort for teachers.
"The NASUWT has had several meetings with the Trust in an effort to address the concerns and avoid strike action. We suspended planned action in December and January on the understanding that the Trust would engage with us through ACAS to seek a resolution to the dispute.
"An agreement was reached but regrettably the Trust has reneged on it.