Strike action continues at schools run by Outwood Grange Academies Trust

Conciliation service ACAS is being called in in a bid to resolve strikes at an academies trust which runs schools across Yorkshire.

Walkouts are ongoing at Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) by members of the NEU, who are unhappy at proposals to lengthen the school day.

NEU members are set to take action on 10 days until July 17. Talks with ACAS are currently pencilled in for July 10.

The trust says progress has been made in talks with another union, the NASUWT, which has decided to pause its own action.

A letter sent by OGAT to parents reads: "We are extremely disappointed that they do not agree with the NASUWT that the changes made to the proposal thus far are sufficient to allow the pausing of further planned strike action."

"Resolving the significant disruption to children's education remains our highest priority. We have consistently prioritised meetings, discussions, and offered a number of solutions and refined proposals to these colleagues.

"As a result, we now feel that the most constructive way forward involves the engagement of a mediating third party who can objectively consider both perspectives and support in finding a resolution.

"We have therefore contacted ACAS, the appropriate body for facilitating such discussions. The NEU has confirmed their willingness to engage in these talks."

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said:

"NEU teacher members at OGAT have not taken industrial action lightly. They have continued to support children with additional classes for exam revision."

"While no teacher wants to be taking strike action any move that leads to an increase in teacher workload is clearly unacceptable.

"Most teachers leave the profession before their fourth year of teaching. Excessive workload and pay are the main causes, leading to stress and burnout.

"In this context, OGAT’s proposal to extend the school day, and therefore increasing teacher and support staff workload, shows a serious lack of judgement and understanding of the day-to-day pressures which teachers are facing."

Strike action is affecting the following schools:

Outwood Academy City, Sheffield

Outwood Academy Danum, Doncaster

Outwood Academy Easingwold, North Yorks

Outwood Academy Foxhills, North Lincolnshire

Outwood Academy Freeston, Wakefield

Outwood Academy Grange, Wakefield

Outwood Academy Hemsworth, Wakefield

Outwood Academy Shafton, Barnsley

Outwood Academy Hindley, Wigan

Outwood Academy, Kirkby, Notts

Outwood Academy, Newbold, Derbyshire

Outwood Academy, Portland, Notts

Outwood Academy, Redcar, Redcar and Cleveland

Outwood Academy Valley, Notts

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