The GMB organised a lobby of Leeds City Council on 20th March. The lobby was led by GMB Special Educational Needs reps and supported by parents and Leeds Trades Council.
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities but the reps have used the acronym for their demands for
Safe staffing levels
Evaluate for fair pay
Nourish out future
Develop out people
The campaign wants a comprehensive overhaul of provision, together with the regrading of the pay structure which have not changed for over a decade. They are asking for the end of the Level one Teaching Assistant role because everyone is working at a higher level.
A statement in support was later carried by the full Council. The Union will be pushing the Council to fully implement their demands.
Kevin Pattison, Vice President Leeds Trades Council
