Strikes force three quarters of Bromley schools to turn away students (From News Shopper)

More than 70 schools closed or partially closed as staff strike over pension changes

12:26pm Thursday 30th June 2011 in News By Michael Purton

Bromley College staff formed a picket line outside the main entrance

PUBLIC sector strikes have forced more than 70 schools and colleges in Bromley to turn away students today.

Thousands of students have had lessons cancelled as around three quarters of the 97 schools and colleges in the borough are closed or partially closed, with staff striking over controversial government plans to change their pension scheme.

Almost half the staff at Bromley College are on strike, causing many lessons to be cancelled.

They formed a picket line outside the college in Rookery Lane, handing out stickers to students and encouraging passing motorists to sound their horns to show their support.

Functional skills teacher Steve Collinson, who is the chairman of the Bromley branch of the University College Union, said: “We have around 80 staff on strike and have had a lot of support from students and people tooting their horns as they go past.”

He added: “What we are being told is that we have to work longer and pay more into the pension scheme, but when we retire get less out.

“The increase to contributions will be about £80 a month.

“If you still retire at 60 you will get £1,000 a month less in your pension.

“If you live 25 years after retirement age, you could potentially lose £70,000.”

Members of the Bromley branch of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) have joined the mass protest march in central London.

Branch secretary Auriel Downs said: “People choose to work in the public sector because, although their wages may not be as good, the pension scheme compensates that.

“So to drastically change that for no real reason is concerning.

“The pension scheme has already been checked out by the National Audit Office, which said it works fine.”

When asked about the disruption the strike has caused for parents of children at schools forced to close, Ms Downs said: “It’s only one day and it’s a great issue.

“If these changes are allowed to go through, it will affect their children if they become teachers or go into the public sector.”

Adele Titford, whose daughter attends St Mark’s C of E Primary School in Bromley, says she “supports the strike 100 per cent”.

The 48-year-old, of Hayesford Park, Bromley, said: “I think a day or two of hardship for us is worth it, considering they are going to have years of a pension that is inadequate.

“My daughter was able to go to school today, but if she had been off I would not have had a problem with it.”

Orpington MP Jo Johnson defended the government’s pension plans and criticised public sector workers for striking.

He said: “Less than 10 per cent of the civil service workforce has voted for strike action and only about a third of teachers, which shows the real lack of support for the kind of widespread action union leaders are hoping for.

“Reform of public sector pensions is inevitable, but the government will ensure that public sector pensions will still be among the very best, with a guaranteed pension which very few private sector staff now enjoy.

“But they will be paid later because people live longer. And public sector staff will pay more, for a fairer balance between what they pay and what other taxpayers pay.”

Do you support the strike or think it's wrong? Email mpurton@london.newsquest.co.uk, or vote in today's poll and have your say in the comment section below.