Majority of schools closed for second teacher strike

A majority of schools in Caerphilly County Borough were closed once again today as a result of a second teacher strike.

Teachers in Wales walked out on Thursday March 2 after the National Education Union Cymru rejected a new pay offer from the Welsh Government. The previous strike was on February 1.

A Valentine’s Day walkout was called off last month after a new deal was tabled by Welsh Education Minister Jeremy Miles.

Teachers have been offered an extra 1.5% on this year’s 5% pay award, as well as a 1.5% one-off payment. The Welsh Government has insisted this is the maximum it can afford.

Teachers want an above-inflation rise of about 12% and the NEU has now rejected the pay offer.

Speaking last month when the strike was announced, NEU Joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney said: “In good faith the union postponed the day of action scheduled for February 14, whilst we conveyed full details of the Jeremy Miles’ offer and sought feedback from members in Wales.

“They have emphatically informed us that the offer of an additional 1.5% added to teachers pay, plus an additional 1.5% lump-sum is simply not good enough and fails to address either the cost-of-living crisis, spiralling inflation, nor the damage done to pay since 2010.

“We have a clear mandate for strike action that is now rescheduled for March 2 in schools across Wales.

“We have thanked the minister for being prepared to negotiate with us, in stark contrast to the Westminster government.”

Further strikes are also expected on Wednesday March 15, and Thursday March 16.

Schools closures in Caerphilly County Borough brought about by strike action