School strike enters sixth day
A STRIKE by teachers at a Newtownards secondary school was continuing on Monday.
The dispute is entering its second week as 25 teachers partake in industrial action after a pupil allegedly assaulted a member of staff at Movilla High School.
The South Eastern and Education Library Board opted to dock pay after teachers requested the pupil concerned be removed from the school or taught in isolations.
Talks between the NASUWT teachers' union and the board failed to reach agreement over the weekend as 540 pupils are forced to remain at home.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner has condemned the strike action as an "abuse of children's rights".
Patricia Lewsley - who had offered to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing logjam - believes the alleged assault has been "blown completely out of proportion".
"The teachers who are striking must accept that this child is legally enrolled at Movilla High School and had a right to be taught. The other 539 pupils have a right to be taught.
"The trade union's actions have denied all the children their right to an education," she said.
Ms Lewsley also indicated she will launch a full investigation if the teachers return to the classroom.
!I call on them to immediately end the strike and get back to teaching. If they do so I pledge I will investigate the circumstance of this incident, the actions of the school and the education board," she said.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 8 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
