STRIKING teachers returned to the picket line outside Grays Convent High School this morning (Tuesday, 2 June) to express their continued concern over proposed restructuring plans that they believe will see a possible loss of jobs and significant pay cuts.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has claimed many staff could lose their jobs as early as August as part of the new proposals.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact of fewer teachers, including increased workloads for those who remain.

Despite earlier strikes over five days last month teachers claim they have been "left in the dark" over the plans.

Strike action had already taken place on May 5, 12, 19, 20 and 21, but it has brought no resolution, prompting today's walk-out and strikes planned for tomorrow and Wednesday. Members of the National Education Union have also supported the protest action.

English and Media Studies teacher, head of careers of PSHEC, Donna Hector said: "I'm out here striking for our teachers who are dedicated and work incredibly hard.

"They do a great job but their core and foundation has been shaken by a governing body that is not listening.

"They are making a decision with the consultation which could really destroy the core and the foundation of the school if they continue down this trajectory.

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"It is disappointing that I am not able to be in the school today, but I feel for its long term and this is why I am here to make sure teachers have successful years to come."

English teacher Mo Coughlan added: "The consultation hasn't been a consultation in any real meaningful way.

"A lot of information was dropped on us on February 9, telling us what they were going to do and by that stage they had included an outside HR firm.

"They did not ask us for any information or ideas, in essence they presented us something following consultation.

"I teach English, Literacy and Media Studies and those extracurricular activities are in real danger of not continuing next year."

Redundancies have not been officially announced, however several teachers claim not to feel secure in their roles.

One teacher, who asked not to be named, added: "Our roles are so important to the school, and, honestly, it's just saddening.

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"There's no other word that I can say. It's sad and we enjoy what we do, we enjoy our roles and we enjoy teaching the children."

Representatives from the NASUWT and the National Education Union (NEU) were also in attendance at the strikes to show their support with teachers.

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."

The school has rejected an invitation to respond from both Thurrock Nub News and The Local Democracy Reporting Service.