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TEACHERS at a Glasgow secondary school launched 12 days of strike action today as they accused bosses of failing to act against violent and abusive pupil behaviour.
NASUWT, which represents workers at Bannerman High School, slammed the Scottish city’s council for “failing to implement initial measures agreed with the union that would ensure staff safety and that pupils' needs are met appropriately to restore order.”
The charge follows allegations of students shoving and shouting at teachers, brandishing screwdrivers, damaging the building and engaging in theft of property.
The shocking reports led the education union to issue instructions for members to refuse to stay in a classroom with a pupil who is threatening their safety, but it said Glasgow City Council had then sent home those complying without pay.
NASUWT also accused councillors of threatening teachers and teaching assistants engaging in industrial action with “punitive action.”
General secretary Dr Patrick Roach said the local authority has “chosen this strike by refusing to deal with the serious behaviour issues at Bannerman and instead creating a climate of fear.
“No teacher should have to go to work expecting to be threatened with violence from pupils and no employer should intimidate workers taking lawful industrial action.”
A council spokeswoman told the Morning Star said the union’s position was an “inaccurate reflection of the extensive, ongoing support by the council and senior school management and it is deeply upsetting that the school continues to be dragged through the media to create sensational headlines.
“The safety of our staff is taken very seriously and additional measures have been in place to meet [their] needs.
“Our legal view is that refusal to teach an individual young person is considered breach of contract. We continue to engage with the union.”