Staff at a primary school have gone on strike in a dispute with managers over an “unacceptable management culture”.
The National Education Union (NEU) said 23 of its members working at St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School in Bolton walked out earlier.
The NEU said it had raised concerns about matters including unfair pay and appraisal policy for 18 months, but had only been “taken seriously” after its members voted to go on strike.
Bolton Council said the school was working with NEU representatives to resolve the dispute but were “unfortunately unable to reach an agreement in time” to avoid industrial action.
The NEU said further strike dates had been planned for 25 and 26 March and the first three days of April.
Jo Squires, branch secretary for Bolton NEU, said: “NEU members have been joined on the picket line this morning by ex-staff, parents, and local community members who wanted to come and offer their support, demonstrating just how valued their work is.
“However, that value has not been recognised by the head and chair of governors in recent times which has led them to the point of dispute over the unfair management of performance related pay – symptomatic of an overall unacceptable management culture at the school.”
Peter Middleman, North West regional secretary for the NEU said the strike had sent a “strong message” and the school governors had a week to respond.
“It’s not too late to avoid a further five days of action and we urge the leadership team and the council to grasp that opportunity,” he said.
