Coventry Teachers Set to Strike Over Pensions

Teachers at 32 sixth form colleges are set to strike for three days in January over a pay dispute with the government, as they seek equitable pay compared to those in academised colleges. The National Education Union (NEU) claims that non-academised college teachers are being offered significantly lower pay increases, leading to accusations of a two-tier pay system. Separately, teachers at Coventry's Bablake and King Henry VIII schools are planning an eight-day strike due to proposed cuts to pension contributions, with unions alleging 'fire and rehire' tactics that threaten job security. The Coventry School Foundation has announced a reduction in pension contributions from the required 28.68% to 19.5%, prompting staff to resist changes to their contracts. NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede criticized these moves as detrimental to staff morale and financial wellbeing. Both situations illustrate broader issues of funding and support for educators in the UK amidst rising costs and economic pressures.