Further strike action by teachers at Chester college over pensions attack

Members of NASUWT-The Teachers' Union at Abbey Gate College in Chester are taking further strike action next Monday and Wednesday over attempts to make teachers choose between their pension or their pay.

Teachers have taken six days of strike action in the ongoing dispute as the employer has refused to negotiate over plans to remove staff from the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS). Instead, hard working and dedicated teachers have been told that if they remain in the TPS their salaries will be reduced.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

"The length of this dispute highlights that our members are serious about protecting their pension rights against the threat of cuts from their employer.

"Teachers want to be in their classrooms working with their students, not stood on a picket line. The employer can prevent any further disruption to students' learning by agreeing to withdraw these proposals and work with us so that further strike action can be avoided."

Bryan McConnell, NASUWT National Executive Member for Chester, said:

"We do not accept the employers' claim that it is beyond their means to maintain teachers in the TPS.

"They need to end their intransigent attitude, show staff some respect and agree to work with us to find a way forward which is not predicated on attacking the terms and conditions of hard-working teachers."