A one-day strike by members of the teacher’s union NASUWT will result in the closure of Sir Thomas Picton School in Haverfordwest tomorrow (Tuesday).

Parents were said to have been notified on Friday of the planned action, some via a text message sent by the school.

Unionists are striking over the issue of “pay portability”. When a teacher applies for and gets a job in another school, the salary level they have achieved - in terms of incremental progression - transfers in to the new post with them.

Changes to the rules governing teachers’ pay and conditions means schools can now decide not to apply pay portability “where considered appropriate”.

NASUWT Wales Organiser, Rex Phillips, told the Western Telegraph today: “We’re taking strike action as part of our national dispute with the Westminster government over the issue of pay policies that schools are putting in to place because of changes to the School Teachers Pay and Conditions document. The dispute at STP concerns the issue of “pay portability”.

"It’s up to governing bodies to make decisions on their pay policy. What we, and the NUT, are saying is that the pay portability concept should be accepted without qualification. That is one of the fundamental points of principle of our dispute.

"The ERW (Education through Regional Working) consortium has suggested that pay policy shouldn’t apply, and governors should have the ability not to agree.”

Further strikes could be on the cards if union members at other schools vote to take a stand on this issue.

In a post on the Sir Thomas Picton School website, headteacher Dr Nick Poole wrote: "Due to industrial action the school will be closed on Tuesday 1st July 2014.

"For year 10 pupils there will be no school based activities. If your child is on work experience with an employer they can attend as normal but there is no bus provision from school.

"Apologies for any inconvenience."

 

Are you a parent who has had to make new arrangements for childcare? How do you feel about the industrial action? Email wtnews@westerntelegraph.co.uk