Around 400 people marched through Gloucester this morning in support of members of the National Education Union, many of whose members went on strike in England and Wales, demanding fair pay, better conditions and job security.
Stroud Red Band led the way as the marchers left Folk of Gloucester in Westgate Street, walking to The Cross, up Northgate Street, through St John’s Lane and ending at Shire Hall where a number of people spoke to the assembled marchers.
The march was organised by Sarah Murphy, a chemistry teacher and District Secretary of the Gloucestershire National Education Union who said: “The pay rise that teachers have been awarded has not been fully funded.
“We need schools to be fairly funded so that they can ensure there are enough TAs [teaching assistants] in the classroom, their classrooms are warm, and they’ve got enough money to pay the pay rise that we’ve already been offered. There’s a recruitment crisis, there’s a retention crisis in education.
“The reason we’re striking is because we care about education.”
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood
