Teachers in Bristol joined National Education Union (NEU) members across England and Wales for their first day of strike action today (Wednesday). They are demanding a fully funded pay rise from the Government, but teachers we spoke to in Bristol said the dispute was not simply over pay.
They spoke of school budgets being stripped bare with concerns that underfunding would further limit the progress of the most vulnerable children. Alongside a lack of funding, teachers spoke of being overworked, with some having to take sick leave as a result of poor mental health.
There were an estimated 55 picket lines across primary and secondary schools in Bristol today (February 1). Many NEU members then joined a rally held on College Green which was part of a national day of action organised by the TUC to protest against the government’s controversial plans for minimum service levels during strikes.
