Being asked if striking

[HoollyWugger]

My other half has been asked by the Head and deputy head if he's striking next week. Is this the usual procedure??

We've been asked if we not striking.

They're allowed to ask but don't have to answer.

My daughter was at a staff meeting at school recently when the headteacher said he would find it very helpful if teachers let him know in advance if they planned to strike but made clear that they were under no obligation to do so.

The head can ask, but there is no obligation to answer.

If your husband is uncomfortable, I suggest he asks his union rep to handle this for him and tells the head to speak to his rep, who will remind the head he doesn't have to answer this question.

He could also say he hasn't made a firm decision yet.

Agreed. Previously they weren't supposed to ask, however latest guidance from the DfE is that heads should be asking if people are striking, but that we don't need to let them know.

It does seem very pointless - if schools are able to operate a contingency plan to cover those people whom they know to be striking, then the impact of the strike will be very little.

That's what I thought - strikes are supposed to inconvenience! There seems to be a "thing" also that schools (his, at least!) will be open for children of critical workers.

My head decided not to ask. He supports the strikes.
We're closing to 7-10.

Ours asked! Wanted a reply by Friday at the latest for risk assessment!

Just don't reply