Twenty-one Wirral school workers have announced that they will take strike action on Thursday 3 December over Woodchurch Primary School’s proposal to cut their hours and pay by up to 20%.
The school staff held an online meeting that showed the “overwhelming support” for the Woodchurch Primary School workers and the opposition to the proposed cuts. The school support staff stand to lose out as much as £3,885 in pay every year and voted 100% in favour of the strike.
Wirral UNISON branch secretary David Jones said: “A 100% vote in favour of strike action shows the strength of feeling amongst our members.
“The fantastic turnout for our meeting shows that the parents and the community are outraged about these pay cuts and the potential impact upon their children’s education.
“We urge the Council to enter into meaningful dialogue with us to stop these cuts.”
The teaching assistants and playworkers are supported by the parents of schoolchildren and the local community.
Speaking at the meeting, parent Amina Hussein said: “I have two children who attend the school. The staff are fabulous but they cannot provide the same support in less time.
“I say to Wirral Council: stop these cuts and give my children the support that they deserve.”
Following the meeting, Wirral UNISON has launched a petition to oppose the cuts which can be accessed here.
birkenhead.news asked Conservative Councillor Wendy Clements, Chair Children, Young People and Education Committee, and Labour Councillor Jean Stapleton who represents the Birkenhead and Tranmere ward for comment on this matter, but they had not responded at the time of publication.