Around 1,000 school support staff from more than 30 schools in London went on strike today amid a dispute over London weighting payments.
The industrial action from GMB union members in Merton and Greenwich came over what they characterised as a “longstanding underpayment” affecting workers in both south London boroughs.
Teaching assistants, caretakers and other support workers are demanding parity with their teaching colleagues, who receive higher Inner London weighting rates despite working in the same buildings.
The strike affected schools across both areas, with Greenwich Council confirming 11 schools in its borough faced disruption from the walkout.
Helen O’Connor, GMB senior organiser, said members felt “undervalued” and should be “treated equally with teachers” who receive compensation for higher living costs in the capital.
She said: “Talks have taken place separately with both councils, but no offer has been made to address this historic but ongoing underpayment.”
The pay gap stems from national agreements established when the Inner London Education Authority was abolished in 1990.
In the fallout, teachers retained their Inner London pay rates, while support staff failed to receive the same protection.
Teaching assistants, caretakers and other support workers are demanding parity with their teaching colleagues
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PAWhile teaching salaries are safeguarded at a national level, councils retain discretion over the weighting applied to support staff wages.
For some workers, the disparity amounts to more than £1,000 annually, compared to what their teaching colleagues receive.
The union has described the situation as a “historic underpayment” that continues to affect members in both boroughs.
Five additional London boroughs face the same pay discrepancy, but were not involved in the strike action.
Merton Council called on the GMB to abandon the walkout, warning it would impact pupils, families and fellow school employees.
Hannah Doody, the council’s chief executive, acknowledged the “legitimate concerns about pay” raised by staff members.
Ms Doody pointed to the establishment of a national Schools Staff Negotiating Body as a mechanism to tackle the issue.
She explained the union sought payment through the council’s general fund, which cannot be accessed without approval from the education secretary.
The council said it was collaborating with affected schools to reduce disruption.
Meanwhile, Greenwich Council stated it remains engaged in dialogue with the union, adding: “We respect the right of unions to take industrial action.”
Ms O’Connor advised concerned parents to raise the matter with school leadership, their local council, elected councillors or their member of parliament.