Teachers are working ‘in fear’ of punishment for standing up for what they believe in, it was claimed this morning as college staff took strike action.

Last year, two female teachers were dismissed from George Monoux College in Walthamstow for gross misconduct, but the National Teachers Union (NUT) believes both sackings were not justified.

Today, 26 members of the NUT union took industrial action in support of their colleagues at the Chingford Road college, which remained open.

Speaking on the picket line, NUT representative Pippa Dowswell said: “We are out on strike today because we have had two members dismissed – both unfairly.

“We have voted for discontinuous action. If we have no joy today we will go out for two days next.

“There is a culture of staff looking over their shoulders, wondering if they are going to be next.

"It is the same thing happening at a lot of colleges - people being dragged into capability or disciplinary hearings.

“There is a very simple answer: we want our colleagues reinstated.”

One of the women, who did not wish to be identified, was dismissed in 2012 but reinstated in 2013, then sacked again on December 23, 2014.

The former ICT technology teacher said: “I was dismissed and then exonerated but since I have returned I feel as though I have been bullied and harassed.

“I was the health and safety rep for the NUT and I pointed out a few risks.

"I was told I was putting too much work into my role as a rep.

“They said there were a few grounds for dismissal, including asking my students to speak English in my classroom.

“I am fighting it now and I will fight it as far as it can go.

"This college needs to begin treating people like human beings.

“When I came back from my dismissal they made it very hard for me.

"I had a different line manager all the time and there was absolutely no support.”

 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Teachers supported their colleagues on the picket line this morning

Sir George Monoux College insited it was dedicated to good working relations with staff.

Principal Paolo Ramella said: “We are disappointed that the NUT has voted for strike action, which the college feels is ill-advised and unnecessary.

“The strike has been called in response to disciplinary actions which were all properly conducted through the appropriate college procedures to address issues raised.

“With students' interest being at the heart of our work, we are saddened that this strike action is being undertaken at such a vital stage of the student journey.”

Steve White, secretary of Waltham Forest NUT, said they would like to enter talks with the college about both teachers, adding that striking was their "only option".