NEU members have secured a landmark victory against the Harris Federation in the fight for fair terms and conditions of employment for teachers, support staff and overseas trained teachers. This is a Federation known for its intransigence in correcting unacceptable work practices throughout its workforce.
The NEU’s strong strike ballot of members showed the willingness of staff to stand up to their employer in the face of unscrupulous practices that have left Harris with one of the worst teacher retention records. Harris schools have been in the bottom 10 per cent of multi-academy trusts for 9 out of the last 10 years. At the end of Summer Term 2023, a quarter of teachers (27 per cent) in Harris left their school. This is far higher than in local authority-maintained schools where one in seven (15 per cent) teachers left.
Following talks at ACAS which have resulted in a significant change in Harris’s position, NEU members voted to suspend the strike ballot of over 700 members in 18 Harris schools and sixth form colleges. The ballot addressed concerns about excessive and unhealthy levels of workload, an unfair and punitive pay progression system, and the unfair treatment of Caribbean and other overseas trained teachers (OTTs).
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“All teachers and support staff at the 18 Harris academies who stood up for their rights should feel proud of the stance they were prepared to take for fair pay, conditions and the unjust treatment of overseas trained teacher colleagues. While there is still more to do this is a remarkable achievement and a testimony to the strength in collective action.
“Addressing the exploitation of overseas trained teachers by Harris Federation is a victory. This was Harris Federation’s Windrush. This is a record they should be ashamed of, and it is right that it is finally being addressed. No teacher wants to be taking strike action, and we are pleased that through negotiations with ACAS and the shift in the position of Harris this is currently not necessary. There is still much to do, and the NEU will continue to press for more change to ensure the workforce at Harris is treated fairly and with respect, and that learning conditions for pupils improve.”