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01
Feb 2023
Harrogate district teachers go on strike — and firefighters could be next
Teachers in the Harrogate district will go on strike today — and firefighters could be next.
The district has seen a wave of industrial action in recent weeks involving rail, postal, nursing and ambulance workers.
Members of the National Education Union, Britain's largest teaching union, are on strike today in a move that will affect many local schools. Today will also see no Northern train services operate on the Harrogate and Knaresborough line.
Gary McVeigh-Kaye, branch secretary of the NEU North Yorkshire, said picket lines were being organised at Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate and King James’s School in Knaresborough.
There is also the prospect of Harrogate district firefighters walking out after the results of a strike ballot this week revealed 88% of Fire Brigades Union members voted yes on a 73% turnout.
The FBU has given the government and employers until February 9 to come forward with an improved pay offer to avert what would be the first nationwide fire strike since 2003.
Read more:
- Why are Harrogate district teachers going on strike?
- Harrogate head torn between 'head and heart' over teacher strike
Harrogate is the only fire station crewed 24 hours in the Harrogate district and is likely to be affected by any action.
Harrogate Fire Station on Skipton Road
It is not known to what extent other local fire stations would be involved. Ripon is crewed from 8am to 6pm each day and on call outside these hours. There are 24-hour on call stations at Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Masham and Summerbridge plus a volunteer station at Lofthouse.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said:
The government has urged the FBU to "reconsider and keep negotiating" and said it is working to mitigate any risks posed by a strike.
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