Support staff at more than 30 schools across two London boroughs are set to strike in a dispute over pay, the GMB union has announced. Around 1,000 workers are involved in the action, which is scheduled for Friday.
Pay Inequality Over London Weighting
The dispute centres on what the union describes as a historic underpayment of London weighting. Support staff currently receive Outer London Weighting, while teachers in the same schools are paid the Inner London rate. According to the GMB, this difference can exceed £1,000 per year for some employees.
Helen O'Connor, GMB senior organiser, said: "Our members have been fighting for this pay equality for years now and have voted for strike action as they've had enough of being undervalued."
Talks Fail to Resolve Issue
Separate talks have taken place with both Merton and Greenwich councils, but no offer has been made to address the underpayment. O'Connor added: "As a dedicated school support staff union, it is non-negotiable to us that our members be treated equally with teachers in the self-same schools and receive Inner London Weighting."
The union advised parents at affected schools to contact school management, the councils directly, or their local councillors and MPs if they have concerns about school closures or child safety during the strike.
