Ofsted members on strike

UNISON and PCS members were on strike last Friday, 16 May, in protest at the employers’ imposition of a pay award which will mean cuts for many members.

The one-day strike at the English body responsible for schools inspections and children’s services is being followed by further industrial action, short of a strike, when members will work to their contracted hours only, including a ban on overtime between Monday 19 May and Friday 30 May.

Members voted by two thirds for strike action, and by 87% in support of action short of a strike, after overwhelmingly rejecting the offer. Needless to say, the employers pushed ahead regardless, offering just 2% for the overdue 2007 pay round, and only 1% for 2008 and 2009.

We cannot help but wonder whether they will be picketing with placards or clip-boards and whether the NUT’s sustentation fund can be used to keep them out indefinitely!