Strike shutdown: members of two trades unions, the GMB and NEU, have had enough of the toxic management culture at the Federation of St Joseph’s in Upper Norwood
There were lively lines of GMB and NEU pickets outside both entrances to St Joseph’s Nursery, Infant and Junior schools off Crown Dale in Upper Norwood this morning.
Teachers and school support staff had taken strike action over long-running and multiple complaints of bullying, amid accusations of racism and threats of legal action.
The unions fear that a report by an independent investigator into their complaints has been suppressed or covered up.
It is almost six months since members of the National Education Union and the GMB at the three schools voted by large majorities for strike action to protest against unacceptable management practices. A NEU rep had visited the schools on six occasions within a six-month period to represent six different members’ complaints. NEU members were also banned from holding union meetings on the school premises.
Executive headteacher: Danielle Ashley
A meeting with the chair of governors in March agreed to appoint an independent investigator to gather evidence about the causes of the challenging atmosphere in the schools, which are managed by an executive headteacher, Danielle Ashley.
Strike action was postponed twice during the summer term at the request of the governors, who asked to delay until the investigator’s report had been received.
The unions believe that the report was submitted in the first week of July, but they have so far been denied sight of any findings.
This week, the school governors asked for another delay on strike action, but members decided that enough was enough. The school has been closed all day.
Ashley Roach-McFarlane, the GMB’s regional organiser, said: “This time our members are adamant that they need to take action to prove their resolve and strength of feeling.
“Our members are confident of what will be in the report, as they have told the truth in their contributions, so are rightfully asking where it is.
“Publication of an honest report that properly reflects the situation at St Joseph’s would be a start, but this dispute will remain live until concrete changes are made to put a stop to this toxic, bullying culture.”
Inside Croydon called the Federation of St Joseph’s office this afternoon, in an effort to speak to exec head Ashley. But no one was answering their phones.
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