NUT and NASUWT teachers from Merrill Academy in Derby were out in force on the picket line on Tuesday 13th January in a dispute over lack of pay progression and unfair targets and policies.
The mood was very positive and determined. Management have allowed some members to progress on appeal but nobody wants to see a repeat of the problems next year and so even those who have gone up the pay scale are committed to making management negotiate better pay and appraisal policies with fair targets. Morale at the school has been at an all time low for some time as many teachers feel bullied and are sick of constantly being told they are rubbish. The lack of pay progression for a majority of staff was just the last straw.
The academy sponsor, Derby College, is at present refusing to amend the target or negotiate pay and appraisal policies which comply with the joint NUT / NASUWT checklist
Further strikes are planned for 21st & 22nd January then 27th, 28th and 29th January.
