Striking teachers stage protest

NATIONAL Union of Teachers members protest outside the Civic Centre against the council’s move to scrap specialist teachers. They were supported by Labour group leader Councillor Jim McMahon (below)

SPECIALIST teachers who are facing the axe as part of council cutbacks went on strike yesterday.

They staged a noisy protest outside the civic centre yesterday — and got the attention of opposition Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon who invited them in for a talk.

The Liberal Democrat-Conseravtive coalition wants to scrap the council’s team of English, maths, behaviour and attendance, science and modern language specialists from April 1.

Their role includes working with children who join school with the poorest English and maths skills.

The ethnic minority team is also going as part of the council’s proposals to save £41 million next year.

Members work in schools with pupils who arrive from abroad with little or no English.

The National Union of Teachers says 19 jobs are going.

Branch secretary Tony Harrison said his members were striking as a last resort, and added: “Cutting these teams will impact on all sections of Oldham’s community, especially the working class and ethnic minorities.

“Standards have risen dramatically in Oldham over the last five years, in primary and secondary schools, in English, maths and science as a consequence of the work and dedication of these teachers and advisers.”

The members also staged a town-centre protest where people signed postcards urging council leader Howard Sykes to reverse the move.

Mr Harrison added: “I had asked to speak to Councillor McMahon before the protest.

“He expressed some sympathy and said he would like to meet some of the protesters.

“He came down and invited us all into the council chamber where he spoke to the protesters and offered his support.”

Oldham’s 2011-12 budget will be set on February 23.