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HARINGEY: Strike closes most schools
Almost all Haringey schools are expected to close today as teachers across the country strike for the first time in more than two decades.
Large numbers of union members are anticipated outside Turnpike Lane Tube station this morning and will travel into Central London to join the national protest.
Most secondary and primary schools in Haringey will have to cancel lessons or close entirely.
Critics argue that with SATs, GCSE and A-level exams looming the strike could not have come at a worse time.
Councillor Liz Santry, cabinet member for children and young people, condemned the Haringey National Union of Teachers (NUT), which represents 80 per cent of the borough's teachers.
She said: "This is an important time of the year for pupils and I regret the decision of the NUT to call a strike.
"It should always be used as a last resort."
But many teachers feel the time has come to take a stand, calling for a pay package to reflect the work required of them.
Tony Brockman, of Haringey's NUT, said: "The level of support for this strike has exceeded our best expectations. It shows that teachers are not prepared to put up with real term pay cuts imposed on them by Government."
The union is demanding that teachers' salaries are increased by four per cent, in line with inflation (4.1 per cent), instead of the offer of a 2.45 per cent rise.
It says better pay is needed to attract young teachers into the profession and retain experienced staff.
Mr Brockman added: "The Government needs to think again and ensure that salaries keep pace in line with inflation and that the continuing workload pressures on teachers are recognised.
"To bring the best young graduates into the profession, teachers' salaries need to be competitive with graduate jobs in the private sector.
"Paying them at levels which are not competitive with those of other graduate professions and making them unable to take even their first step on the housing ladder will damage recruitment."
Non-NUT members and a few sixth form students were expected to turn up for lessons as normal today.
It will also be business as usual for students and teachers at Greig City Academy, which is not controlled by the local authority.
9:14am Thursday 24th April 2008
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