A union has announced weekly teacher strikes at a college over claims two of its members were unfairly dismissed.

Starting tomorrow (June 10), a picket line will form outside of Sir George Monoux College in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, over claims teachers Flor Thompson, a health and safety representative, and Diana George were wrongly sacked last year.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) announced today there will be walkouts by its members every Wednesday until the end of the  summer term.

A further three-day strike is planned between August 25 and 27, during the college’s enrolment week.

The union is calling for both long-serving teachers to be reinstated or offered a financial settlement, but this has been rejected by the college.

This is the third set of strikes to be announced during the row, with the latest taking place between May 6 and May 8.

Waltham Forest NUT secretary, Steve White, said the union has tried to reach an agreement with the college.

He said: “The NUT have been unable to reach an agreement with George Monoux College regarding the reinstatement of two NUT reps who were in our view unfairly dismissed.

“We are asking for a full reinstatement or a settlement for both representatives.

“We have had to take strike action as management are continually denying our requests.

“They offered what they call an independent enquiry carried out by the college itself.

“The NUT reject this enquiry as we do not believe it to be independent. 

"We are currently seeking talks with Acas and the college with the view of working a way forward.”

A George Monoux College spokeswoman said the strikes were 'deeply unfortunate' but the college will remain open as usual on these dates. 

Chair of the Corporation of Sir George Monoux College, Alan Wells, said the NUT have constantly refused to give any evidence that the teachers were victimised.

"I've asked the NUT on numerous occasions to provide the evidence they have to support their allegation. They have refused to do so", he said.

"There is still an opportunity for the NUT to present their evidence to the enquiry an opportunity I hope that they will take.

"Our position is clear. The Corporation of Sir George Monoux College will not use the public funds made available for the education of young people to make payments to dismissed staff without any evidence that they were treated unfairly."

"Most long-serving staff leave with a box of chocolates if they have been dismissed not a pay off ."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Union members including secretary Steve White (third from left) outside Sir George Monoux last month.