Teachers at a Lake District school are set to take strike action this week over changes to their pensions.
Members of NASUWT who teach at Windermere School will walk out tomorrow, Wednesday May 22, and Thursday May 23.
The union claims the changes to their contracts is forced and demands they are moved to an inferior pension scheme – whether they consent, or are fired and rehired on a new contract offering only the new scheme, which could leave them significantly worse off in retirement than teachers in the standard Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
The employer has so far refused to engage in negotiations with NASUWT or ACAS conciliation talks, the union claimed but the school says it is still in a consultation phase over the plans.
Further days of strike action are planned for June 5 and June 6 if a resolution cannot be found, the union said.
NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach will join striking teachers on the picket line on Thursday.
He said: “These hardworking teachers have every right to expect that they remain enrolled on the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. They should not be asked to accept a lower pension income than other teachers so that their employer can save money.”
Karen Brocklebank, NASUWT executive member for Cumbria, said: “No teacher wants to enter into an industrial dispute with their employer. Our members have been backed into a corner with no way out but to challenge these contract changes.
“In the midst of a recruitment and retention crisis, employers should be mindful that they are attractive to teachers.”
A statement from Windermere School said: “Windermere School, like all independent schools, faces significant rising costs and the possible imposition of VAT on school fees.
“In response, the school has been restructuring to continue to provide its exceptional and unique education, whilst providing ongoing employment for our staff. After 18 months of planning and implementation we now have a much-improved financial position, along with a curriculum which is generating interest both locally and across the world.
“Our restructuring has not diminished our commitment to our charitable status, and we continue to provide means-tested financial bursaries and other awards to local pupils. At present these are valued at over £1 million. We also provide bursaries for boarding places for the children of the armed forces.
“Along with over one third of independent schools we are moving away from full support of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and, working with an independent pensions advisory firm, we have ensured an appropriate and affordable alternative pension provision.
“This decision was prompted by the Government’s decision that the employer contribution to the TPS would be significantly increased, from 23.68% to 28.68% last month.
“This consultation is still in progress. A number of our teaching staff are in the NASUWT and the NEU teaching unions and we were notified by these unions that they intended to take strike action.
“We appreciate that the decision to come out of the Teachers Pension Scheme is significant for staff, however all contracts will be continuous to ensure job security and a generous alternative pension has been provided.
“Whilst we hope to avoid any further strike action, we have prepared for it and will ensure that our children receive the best possible experience at Windermere School.
“We are very grateful to all staff who will cover lessons for absent colleagues, keeping any disruption to the school day to a minimum, with examinations taking place as normal. We will continue to consult with teaching colleagues until we reach a conclusion.”
