Staff at LIPA Multi Academy Trust poised for strike action over working conditions

Staff working for schools that are part of the LIPA Multi Academy Trust have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action this autumn, citing health and safety concerns as well as work-related stress.

The National Education Union said that more than 90% of its members across the sixth-form college and the associated primary and high schools had voted ’yes’ to industrial action in an indicative ballot, set to be followed by a full vote later in the year. The trust includes the LIPA Primary, LIPA High School and LIPA Sixth Form College, but LIPA’s higher education institution is separate.

"Excessive workloads", "unnecessary work-related stress" and a "lack of basic amenities" have been reported by staff, as well as leaking roofs and mouldy carpets.

NEU regional officer Bora Oktas told the BBC that air-conditioner issues made studios "unbearably hot and humid" and that the secondary building lacked a staffroom, drinking water and internet access, making it "unfit for purpose".

Oktas added: "Poor IT services have disrupted education, causing school closures, early student dismissals and extended deadlines on numerous occasions.

"This has increased well-being concerns due to student stress. Staff workload has also surged. The trust lacks a policy around staff well-being."

While the Liverpool NEU’s joint-assistant branch secretary, Karen Copsey, told the Liverpool Echo that the union had repeatedly approached the trust to no avail, LIPA Multi Academy Trust told the paper it had already addressed a number of issues raised, including ensuring "excellent" internet connection across its sites.

 The trust disputed claims that the secondary school building was not fit for purpose, highlighting a LA review in March deemed the premises had met health and safety requirements.

The LIPA MAT spokesperson told The Stage: “We recently met with NEU’s representatives on June 20 to share information and listen to concerns. We advised that we had already resolved many of the existing concerns and are currently working to address the remainder. We are confident that any outstanding issues will be promptly resolved.”

Strike action is scheduled for mid-October, pending a formal ballot of NEU members in September. 

This story has been updated and amended to clarify that the schools impacted (LIPA Primary, LIPA High School and LIPA Sixth Form College) are part of the LIPA Multi Academy Trust, which does not include LIPA’s higher education institution. This is a separate institution.