Pubdate: Thu, 06 Dec 2012
Source: Derby Evening Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2012 Derby Telegraph Media Group Ltd
Contact:  http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4670
Author: Kirsty Green

STRIKES SPARKED AFTER TEACHER BARRED FOR REFUSING DRUG TEST

A TEACHER at a private specialist school has been suspended for
refusing a random drugs test - leading union members to go on a
five-day strike.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers is
opposed to the drugs-testing policy which is imposed by the owner of
Alderwasley Hall School.

The company, Senad, based in Vernon Gate, Derby, has a portfolio of
specialist schools and colleges in England and Wales.

They offer academic and vocational programmes to youngsters between
five and 19 years with special, educational and complex care needs.

It introduced its drug-testing policy in 2009 - which sparked outrage
by NASUWT, whose members have been in industrial action over the
policy since. That action has also seen them resist the policy itself.

But, two weeks ago, a teacher at Alderwasley Hall School, near Belper,
was selected for a random drugs test - the first time, according to
the union, a school has done this in the county.

The teacher refused the test because of the union stance, has since
been suspended and could face dismissal for the action.

Dave Wilkinson, NASUWT national executive member, said it left members
with no option to strike. They will also be demonstrating outside the
company's Derby headquarters today .

Mr Wilkinson said: "This is the first time that this has happened at a
school in Derbyshire that we're aware of and it is a humiliating and
degrading way to treat teachers."

"The employer has now stated that other NASUWT members who refuse to
be tested will also face dismissal.

"In the light of this unnecessary, punitive action - which threatens
seriously to undermine the educational provision for the pupils at the
school - the NASUWT has no alternative but to authorise strike action.

"If the suspended teacher is reinstated, and the threat of
disciplinary action against NASUWT members withdrawn, then the strikes
will be immediately stopped."

The 11 union members at the school went on strike on Tuesday and
stayed on strike yesterday and today. They will continue the action on
December 12 and 13.

No-one from the school or Senad returned the Derby Telegraph's
requests for a comment.
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MAP posted-by: Matt