Union Suspend Strike Action At Acton High School

Follows parental opposition to industrial action taken since Easter

News that strike action has been suspended at Acton High School has been welcomed.

The school on Gunnersbury Lane is in Special Measures following the latest inspection and the Governors had resolved to hand control over to the Ark network after discussions with the Department for Education and Ealing Council.

The National Education Union (NEU) are opposed to the planned takeover by the Ark group as they don't regard them to be suitable partners and members had been taking part in strike action since after the Easter holidays.

Parents of children at the school were furious by the disruption caused and demanded the union put the children's education first.

Following a number of meetings the union has now called off the strikes.

Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq Says, '' I have met with the NEU at a surgery appointment recently and then again at a public meeting last Wednesday. This is a fast-moving situation and I was coincidentally at Acton High itself doing an advice surgery when I heard that for the immediate term the strike had been suspended. As MP for all sides, I understand the legitimate concerns regarding centrally imposed teching plans from ARKs interfering with their professional independence but I am also acutely aware that industrial action at exam-time was losing the NEU support from parents.

''It’s encouraging that ARK, the unions and council have had constructive discussions and the sooner pay and conditons and the other issues raised with me are thrashed out and resolved in what will be a new chapter in Acton High’s history, the better for all parties concerned.''

Ark say, '' We're pleased to hear that the union strikes have been suspended. For the sake of the students, particularly the year 11 students who are going through the exam period at the moment, we're glad that staff will be back at the school and able to support at this crucial time. Like the staff, parents, pupils and local community. we're committed to seeing Acton High School suceed, and confident we're in a strong position to make this happen.''

May 23, 2018