STAFF members at a Flintshire school began the first of a three-day strike today.

Nearly half of all full-time staff members at Connah’s Quay High School participated in the protest, with 24 members of The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) taking part.

Protesters have been left feeling unhappy over the adverse management practices at the institution and elected to strike earlier in the year after failing to resolve the issues with Flintshire Council and the board of governors.

They believe that the mismanagement is having a detrimental effect on the working conditions and welfare of union members.

While all staff members are expected to return to work as normal on Wednesday, June 19, further strike action is planned for June 25 and 26.

Despite the protest coming at a crucial time of year for students, with many undergoing their end-of-year and GCSE examinations, Flintshire Council has reassured people that the strike will have no effect on students.

Claire Homard, chief officer of education and youth said: “The Local Authority has been kept fully informed about the industrial action at Connah’s Quay High School on the proposed dates in June which is an internal matter for the school.

“The chair of governors and head teacher have to make the most appropriate decision to ensure the health and safety of pupils. There will be no disruption to pupils involved in external examinations.”

This latest strike action is the second protest in just over a year at the Deeside secondary school.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Members are deeply disappointed that they have been forced again into taking strike action.

“Since the teachers last came out on strike, the NASUWT has worked hard to negotiate with the employer over the issues of concern about management practices. Unfortunately, these issues remain unresolved.

“The only ask our members are making is for the employer to respect their right to be treated with dignity at work. The employer is failing to take steps to secure that.

“The NASUWT regrets the disruption this strike action will cause to pupils and parents and urges the employer to make a genuine commitment to working with us to resolve the ongoing problems so that further strike action can be avoided.”

Siôn Amlyn, NASUWT national executive member for Flintshire, added: “The union balloted members at the school in January because of adverse management practices affecting our members’ wellbeing and working lives.

“In the meantime, we have worked with the employer and governors to try and resolve these issues, but sadly our attempts have failed. Our members continue to suffer adverse management practices which undermine their professionalism, and which causes uncertainty in their day to day work.

“No teacher takes strike action lightly, but these issues must be resolved sooner rather than later for the benefit of all concerned.”