LIPA Sixth Form teachers set to go on strike

Staff at a Liverpool sixth-form college are set to go on strike on November 26, with further walkouts scheduled for early December. The strike has been called in response to what the National Education Union (NEU) claims are "inefficient management practices and health and safety concerns" at LIPA Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). In a recent formal ballot, a majority of NEU-affiliated staff members voted in favour of strike action.

The NEU argues its members are suffering under an "excessive workload", causing "unnecessary work-related stress and a high risk of injury or harm to both staff and students". In response, the college says it is "disappointed" over the decision to strike and claims "significant positive change" has taken place at LIPA MAT in recent months.

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In June, the ECHO reported that students were reportedly being forced to "dance around buckets" at the college because of water leaking through the roof of the building in Upper Duke Street. The NEU said there were also mouldy carpets and walls that were causing problems for staff and students. At the time, sixth form bosses said they were working to address the concerns.

Bora Oktas, regional officer of the NEU, said in a statement: "The employer has not even responded to any of our previous correspondence and calls about resolving the dispute in an amicable manner, let alone coming to the negotiation table. Over the last few months, LIPA MAT has been making headlines for the wrong reasons, unfortunately.

"Allegations of financial mismanagement, academic failures, and health and safety concerns have been catapulting this well-established and respected institution into a spiralling downward projectile. As a result, it is our members and students who are suffering, not to mention the image of LIPA MAT."

Karen Copsey, assistant branch secretary of Liverpool NEU, said: "Our members are not just fighting for their rights but also for the future of the students. The current state of affairs is unacceptable, and we will not stand by while our members and students suffer due to the management’s negligence.

"Strike action is always a last resort for our members. We have tried every possible avenue to resolve these issues without disrupting the education of our students, but the lack of response from the employer has left us with no other option. Our members are dedicated professionals who deserve to work in an environment where their concerns are taken seriously.”

Peter Middleman, regional secretary of the NEU, said: “The employer should come back to the negotiation table and engage in meaningful dialogue with us. Our members are committed to providing the best education for their students, but they need the support and cooperation of the management to do so. It is high time the management acknowledges the gravity of the situation and takes concrete steps to address these issues."

A spokesperson for LIPA Sixth Form College said: “Given the significant positive change that has taken place in recent months, we are disappointed that the decision has been made to strike. We are committed to continual improvement and actively encourage staff to engage directly with us to have a constructive dialogue."