Strike action begins at St Helens college

Teachers from NASUWT - The Teachers' Union at Cowley International College in St Helens began the first of four days of strike action today as a result of adverse management practices, escalating workload pressures, and a breakdown of trust caused by the school's leadership.

Teachers have been subjected to unprofessional treatment by the employer and a persistent failure by senior leadership to address workload and safety concerns.

By the time the employer began to acknowledge the seriousness of the concerns raised, trust had already collapsed. Teachers now have no confidence that commitments made by management will be honoured.

Despite this, they have agreed to attend work to ensure exam classes are taught, demonstrating their continued commitment to their pupils.

NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack said:

"Teachers at Cowley International College have been pushed to breaking point by management practices that have eroded trust, damaged morale, and placed unacceptable pressure on staff.

"NASUWT teachers have been reasonable in raising concerns about workload, safety and professional treatment. But instead of addressing these issues the employer allowed the situation to deteriorate to the point where staff no longer believe assurances will be kept.

"Strike action is always a last resort, but when teachers are ignored and left without confidence in their leadership they are left with no alternative. The employer must now take urgent, concrete steps to rebuild trust and ensure staff can work in a safe, respectful and professionally sustainable environment."

NASUWT National Executive Member for St Helens, Bryan McConnell said:

"Our members have shown extraordinary patience and professionalism throughout this dispute. They have worked to ensure exam classes are protected, even while facing unacceptable treatment from senior leaders.

"What they are asking for is to be treated with respect, to have their workload managed fairly, and to work in a school where their concerns are taken seriously.

"The employer must stop making promises it cannot or will not keep, and instead deliver real, enforceable change. Our members will not tolerate further delay or further erosion of their rights."