Strike to close schools on Thursday

The national strike by education staff and civil servants on Thursday 30th June looks set to have a big impact locally.

On the school front, Martin-Powell-Davis from the National Union of Teachers reports that teachers will be striking at at least 70 schools in Lewisham, many if not most of which are expected to close for the day. A quick look round school websites confirms that on the secondary school front Sydenham, Forest Hill and Haberdashers Askes Hatcham College will all be completely closed with the exception of the poor year 12 students at the latter. Others have not yet publicly stated their position.

The strike is opposing cuts and changes to public sector pensions. Activists in colleges and other workplaces are planning to spread the action further with a range of protests planned, including a possible street party in New Cross. There's a Lewisham Strike Assembly meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday, 7:30 pm upstairs in the Amersham Arms) to plan for this and other ideas. Lambeth unemployed claimants are planning to join the picket line at Brixton Job Centre on the day.