School workers at The Orchard School in Oldbury are set to strike for a second day amid ongoing disputes over student and staff safety, according to the GMB Union.
The union has confirmed that 19 members of staff, including teaching assistants and midday supervisors, will walk out today (Tuesday, June 9) due to concerns about overcrowding. This follows previous strike action by teachers over the same issues.
Union Voices Anger
A GMB spokesperson stated that workers are 'furious' after school bosses 'failed to respond to grievances and concerns.' The spokesperson added: 'Teaching assistants and midday supervisors will take a second day of strike action today as part of the ongoing dispute at The Orchard School in Sandwell. Ninety workers at the school are anticipated to join the second strike day as the school announced further closures. Workers are furious after school bosses failed to respond to grievances and concerns raised about student and staff safety at the facility.'
Call for Urgent Action
Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, said staff members feel their concerns 'don't matter.' She continued: 'Our members are sending a clear message today; that staff at the school refuse to be ignored. They've raised serious issues with school bosses, only to feel like their concerns don't matter. We're calling for serious talks to resolve these issues and a long-term plan involving staff at all levels of the school. This may be the second day of strike action, but it will not be the last if we don't see urgent action.'
A spokesperson for The Orchard School has been approached for comment.
