Workers at Learning Partner West Strike for Union Recognition and Better Provision 

Education workers at Learning Partner West in Bristol are striking for union recognition, higher pay, longer and regular breaks, and improvements to the school site. Learning Partner West is a privatised alternative learning provider (ALP) for children who have been excluded from mainstream schools.

Staff on the picket line explained how, particularly for them, the school site is inadequate for the needs of the students. The play areas are small and unnurturing, there are a number of health and safety concerns on the site itself (eg. cables dangling from the ceiling), and other issues that make the site unsuitable. Beyond this, there are issues such as the lack of a clear published pay policy.

The staff on strike are members of the National Education Union (NEU). Management has so far been very intransigent. The staff will strike for another three days next week on 16, 17 and 18 June.