School strikes: Watch as teaching assistants and support staff gather in Birmingham to protest amid pay dispute

School support workers across Birmingham took part in strike action on Monday (23), with some schools experiencing significant disruption.

BirminghamWorld was on the ground as the rally took place in Victoria Square with union members revealing some school staff are holding down multiple jobs to “make ends meet”.

Alice Reynolds, of GMB Union, said the dispute has spanned across two decades, with strike action earlier in the year not resulting in enough progress following “talks.”

Members of the GMB union at 35 schools in Birmingham walked out after accusing Birmingham City Council of delaying the settlement of equal claims.

It included school support workers, including teaching assistants, catering staff, and grounds maintenance workers.

The GMB Union says delays by Birmingham City Council have pushed many to the brink, unable to keep up with the rising cost of living.

The outcome of ongoing discussions between workers and Birmingham City Council will shape what happens next in this developing situation.

A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said: "The council has been engaging with GMB and UNISON for many years on equal pay.

“A new approach to job evaluation to settle Birmingham’s equal pay issues once and for all was agreed with the Trades Unions in October 2023.

“The council is keen to work together with our recognised unions to explore solutions, as it remains committed to resolving historic equal pay issues and settling all legitimate claims from our employees.”