NEU Members of Wirral SEND Team Suspend Action
The National Education Union (NEU) North West Region is pleased to announce that following positive and productive negotiations, NEU members in the Wirral SEND Team have decided not to issue any further dates of industrial action. This decision is made as a gesture of goodwill and in the spirit of ongoing negotiations.
Wirral Council’s SEND Team based at the Mallory Building in Birkenhead took a five-week-long strike across October and November regarding a dispute over workload and pay.
Bora Oktas, Regional Officer of the NEU, stated, “We are pleased to report a partial breakthrough in the trade dispute involving our members in the Wirral SEND Team. As a gesture of goodwill and in the hope that this sentiment will be reciprocated, we will not issue any further action dates while more detailed negotiations are being held.”
Mr Oktas continued, “However, we put the employer on notice that the Union reserves the right to serve further notice of industrial action up until the limit of our legal mandate, should it become necessary in the opinion of our negotiators and endorsed by our members. Our members look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to reach a satisfactory conclusion.”
Mike Farrelly, Branch Secretary of Wirral NEU, added, “This development is a positive step forward. Our members are committed to finding a resolution that ensures a safe and supportive working environment. We remain hopeful that the employer will continue to engage constructively in the negotiations.”
Peter Middleman, Regional Secretary of the NEU, commented, “The decision to pause further industrial action demonstrates our members’ commitment to resolving this dispute amicably. We urge the employer to seize this opportunity to work with us in good faith to address the outstanding issues. Our members are dedicated professionals who want nothing more than to provide the best
possible support to the families and children they serve.”
