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Pensions

London Schools Face Closure Amidst National Strike by Council Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thousands of local authority workers, including teachers and support staff, are set to join a national strike tomorrow, leading to the potential closure of schools across London. The strike, which could affect up to 1.4 million council employees, is in response to government plans to scrap the "Rule of 85" pension scheme, which allows employees to retire at 60 with full benefits. The strike has been backed by 81% of union members who participated in strike ballots.

Key Takeaways:

  • Up to 1.4 million council workers could join the national strike, making it the biggest since the 1926 General Strike.
  • The strike will include thousands of teachers, support staff, and other employees who will stop work, affecting schools, libraries, sports centers, and crematoriums.
  • The strike is in response to government plans to scrap the "Rule of 85" pension scheme, which allows employees to retire at 60 with full benefits.
  • Up to 70% of schools in London could be affected, including the one attended by Prime Minister Gordon Brown's youngest son, Leo.
  • Head teachers could open schools, but "there will be no support teachers available" to assist.
  • Students with special needs may be particularly affected, as many schools rely heavily on classroom assistants.
  • Eleven unions, including Unison, the T&G, and the GMB, have joined forces to coordinate the strike.
  • Local Government Association chairman Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart expressed disappointment that the unions called the strike before negotiations over the pension scheme changes.

Statistics:

  • Up to 1.4 million council workers could join the national strike.
  • 81% of union members who participated in strike ballots backed the stoppage.
  • Up to 70% of schools in London could be affected by the strike.
  • Thousands of teachers, support staff, and other employees will stop work, including street cleaners, caretakers, and police community support workers.

Sources:

  • "Mayor expected to back strike by 1.4m council workers" by Phil Lambert, Evening Standard, 12 October 2008
  • "Local government unions to strike over pension 'rule of 85'" by Michael Savage, The Guardian, 12 October 2008
  • "Council workers' strike to go ahead as Mayor backs action" by Matt Chorley and agency, The Times, 12 October 2008

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