A RALLY will be staged in the centre of Colchester next week in a show of solidarity with teachers who have decided to strike over pay.

Members of the National Education Union will down tools on Wednesday and many schools throughout the city could close as a result.

The education employees have decided to take to the picket line due to suffering what they say is a real-terms pay cut of 23 per cent since 2010.

Negotiations regarding a wage increase for teachers have somewhat stalled, with union bosses seeking a “more substantial figure” than the Government is offering.

Demonstrators will now stage a protest at the Colchester War Memorial from 11am on Wednesday in support of the city’s picketing teachers.

Gazette:

During the rally speakers will outline the union’s case, leaflets will be handed out and supporters will gather to throw their weight behind the strike. 

Many teachers will also be forming picket lines outside their school gates in the morning to get their message across while urging other colleagues to join them.

Colchester resident Christine Green, who supports the action, said: “I am backing everyone who goes on strike for fair pay and conditions.

“This country is an absolute and everyone is going to suffer in the long run if people don't stand up for their rights.”

READ MORE: Burnt-out Colchester nurses say they 'saw colleagues crying in cupboards'

Lisa Goldsworthy agrees with Christine.

She said: “The education system is a mess and I fully support everyone who is striking at the moment.

“Until everyone joins together and fights for change, this country will remain a mess. Good luck teachers.”

Others, however, are concerned about the impact the strikes could have on their children’s education.

Lynda Vincent said: “Fantastic timings for those taking GCSEs and A-Levels, as if with Covid closures they didn’t have enough disruption. Absolute Joke.”

Gazette:

Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, joint general secretaries of the National Education Union, have explained their reasons for spearheading a strike.

They said: "We have continually raised our concerns with successive education secretaries about teacher and support staff pay and funding.

“But instead of seeking to resolve the issue they have sat on their hands - it is disappointing.”

The latest strike to hit the city comes after nurses downed tools and campaigned outside Colchester Hospital over pay, staff shortages and patient safety.