STRIKING teachers held a rally in Worcester city centre.
Members of National Education Union (NEU), striking due to disputes over pay and working conditions, took part in the action on Wednesday (July 5).
A number of schools were affected with Stanley Road Primary School in Worcester and Witton Middle School in Droitwich among the county schools completely closed.
A large crowd of people from across the county gathered in Cathedral Square holding banners and placards, and chanting.
Among the speakers at the rally was Colleen Johnson, a NEU national executive member, who said: "This week makes the seventh and eighty days of our campaign.
"We are here because 98 per cent of members who responded to our survey told us they rejected the government's (pay) offer in April.
"We know experienced teachers' pay has dropped by over one-fifth in real terms since 2010.
"Let's make it clear - this government needs to negotiate. They need to talk to us.
"Teachers want to be back in class but they are not willing to continue whilst our education system falls apart at the seams."
READ MORE: The Worcestershire schools affected by today's strike action
READ MORE: Worcestershire teachers will join picket line in city
Another day of action is planned for Friday and education union leaders have warned that further strike action in the autumn term is likely if the ongoing pay dispute remains unresolved.
Most state school teachers in England had a five per cent pay rise for the year 2022-23.
After intensive talks, the government offered an additional one-off payment of £1,000.
It also increased the offer for most teachers next year to 4.3 per cent, with starting salaries reaching £30,000.
Sean McCauley, Joint Branch Secretary of Worcestershire NEU said: "We are taking strike action with great reluctance, but teachers are left with no choice when faced with a government that refuses to negotiate on the issue of a fully-funded pay increase for teachers in England.
"This is in stark contrast to the governments in both Wales and Scotland where settlements were reached months ago.
“The responsibility for this inaction lies with the Education Secretary - Gillian Keegan is causing chaos for schools and colleges on a daily basis."
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Any strike action is hugely damaging. We have made a fair and reasonable pay offer to teachers, recognising their incredible work and commitment.
“Thousands of schools received significant additional funding as part of the extra £2 billion of investment we are providing both this year and next.
“As a result, school funding will be at its highest level in history next year, as measured by the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies).”
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