Schools across Bristol close as 'exploited' support staff strike

A dozen schools across Bristol are either closed or partially closed today (Wednesday) as a strike by support staff takes place. The teaching assistants, special needs assistants, admin, lunchtime and catering staff at all 12 schools run by the Bristol-based Cathedral Schools Trust are holding the first day of a two-day strike this week, in a dispute over back pay.

Picket lines were set up at schools from Pill to Lockleaze and Ashton Gate to St Werburghs as the staff walked out as a dispute with academy trust bosses escalated after weeks of negotiations. The biggest picket was outside the Cathedral secondary and primary schools in the city centre, but pickets were mounted at every school affected.

Striking staff said they

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