Members of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts have begun a series of strike days due to a dispute over their pensions.
 
After being offered a pay rise below levels of inflation, teachers at Tring Park School have now been told that if they wish to remain in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme – the standard scheme for teachers across England – they will need to take a pay cut in order to compensate for their employer’s contributions. Their only alternative is to move to a scheme of lower value.
 
Strike action took place at Tring Park School on Tuesday 12th March and will take place again on Wednesday 13th March. Further days are planned on 19th, 20th and 21st March.
 
Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:
 
“Teachers at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts are being held to ransom over their pensions. The ‘choice’ offered to them by their employers is nothing short of preposterous: take a pay cut to remain in a pension scheme specifically for teachers, or move to a scheme of inferior and unpredictable value.
 
“Asking teachers to take a pay cut to keep their pension schemes, coupled with a below inflation pay rise, suggests that leaders at Tring Park School want their teachers to subsidise the fees paid by parents. This sets a dangerous precedent that must be halted immediately.
 
“It is perfectly reasonable for a teacher to expect to remain in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Teachers work long, intense hours for increasingly little pay, and the few benefits they have left must not be sabotaged by senior leadership looking to make quick wins with a lazy budget.
 
“NASUWT will support members at Tring Park School every step of the way as they fight for fair pensions, fair pay, and to be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.”


Notes to Editors

There will be a picket line outside Tring Park School in Hertfordshire on Wednesday 13th March from 07:15 – 08:40.