FIVE weeks since industrtrial action began at Grays Convent High School in Grays, where some teachers went on strike early in May, there has been a slight shift in position - with talks now sceduled to be held at the arbitration service ACAS and the teachers' unions.

However, optimism is not high among the angry staff from the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) and National Education Union - who were today (Tuesday, 16 June) joined on the picket line by students.

The teachers and their union representatives say the school's board of governors have been reluctant to talk about changing their reorganisation plans - and the school has also declined to respond to media requests for comment.

With deadlock prevailing, Thurrock Nub News reported again on issues at the Convent earlier this month. Murray Sackwild, the executive of the NEU said: "There is barely any negotiation going on, they have basically set down what they wish to do. They won't consult appropriately over it and this is why members are reluctantly having to take strike action. It's not something that people want to do.

"They want to be in classrooms, teaching students. Unfortunately, the governing body are making that impossible at the moment because they're coming up with ideas, without any consultation. It's just not a satisfactory position."

Industrial action began with a statement from the NASUWT whoich explained why members are so upset. It said its members are proud to serve the school and local community and they have not taken disruptive action lightly.

It added: "The governing body announced plans that were presented as a 'consultation' but the professional knowledge of the staff who know this school best has not been meaningfully considered, We were not listened to.

"We are not asking for a pay rise, we are simply asking to maintain our current level of pay. The restructure as planned would reduce our earnings.

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Union reps told of a lack of progress.

"We understand that financial savings must be found. We are not opposed to change, but we ask that the restructure be paused until a new headteacher is appointed – someone able to work collaboratively with staff and governors to find a fair way forward that protects the school, its community and its Catholic identity."

Five weeks on and after weeks of students being affected by the strikes, the two sides seem as far apart as ever - prompting stuents to join in.

One wrote to Nub News with an impassioned message.

It reads: ""I am a student of Grays Convent and at the moment we are facing a major issue effecting the eighth best school in Essex. We need help to save many girls from losing the education they need to thrive in the world, aiding them to accomplish ambitions and dreams!

"Many of the staff are striking due to wage cuts and restructuring of our school where there is no clear leadership or communication involved.

"This has affected some staff as they can't afford to strike and stand up for their rights and not work as they need to for pay during this crucial time in inflation. Others in the unions have done so.

Teachers on the picket line today.

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"Students however, we have had days cut off from the week when we should be attending school. I am a year 10, who only attends school Mondays and Fridays for a full day only.

"We are not being given work at home, due to most of the staff being on strike, so we are completely lacking in our education.

"We and the teachers need help and support. I hope people will put pressure on our governors.

"This is a place where many girls have grown up, which staff call their second home. Some have been working here for more than 20 years (and trust me there have been more than five teachers on my own timetable who have worked here longer then my lifespan).

"We need people to support us and the teachers and mount a rescue mission for us."