PRESS RELEASE: Catering staff complete three days of strike action as NEU challenges flawed redundancy process

Catering staff at Altrincham College have now successfully completed three days of strike action against

their employer, Achieve and Learn Trust, in opposition to proposals to remove a catering assistant post

and change the contractual hours of the remaining catering assistants.

Negotiations are ongoing, but NEU Trafford remains deeply concerned that the evidence being relied upon

to justify the proposed cut is sparse, inaccurate and does not demonstrate a genuine reduction in need.

The union requested a specific workload impact assessment; this has now been completed, but only after

the decision-making process was already well advanced.

NEU Trafford believes the assessment fails to recognise the significant challenges, responsibilities and

daily duties carried out by these catering workers. Their work goes far beyond serving food: they help keep

pupils fed, safe and supported throughout the school day, while managing pressure, pace, allergies,

hygiene standards and the practical demands of a busy school kitchen.

Similarly, the equality impact assessment produced by the employer is full of holes. In the union’s view, it

demonstrates that redundancy was treated as a foregone conclusion, with consultation reduced to little

more than a box-ticking exercise rather than a meaningful attempt to listen to staff, test the evidence and

explore alternatives.

This is especially reprehensible against the backdrop of the highest earning staff at the school being

provided with free lunches at a cost of more than £9,000 per annum, while the employer seeks to cut one

of the lowest paid workers. NEU Trafford believes the Trust must explain how this can possibly be justified

to staff, pupils, parents and the wider community.

NEU Trafford has also reached out to Connor Rand MP, a governor of the school, seeking his comment

and support. Thus far, that request has gone unanswered.

This week will see a further three days of strike action by the catering team on Tuesday, Wednesday and

Thursday. The NEU will also be exploring additional days of action if significant changes are not made to

the proposal.

Sue Caldwell, Secretary of Trafford Trades Council says "The Trades Council is fully behind the

canteen staff at Altrincham College. We know the vital role that these workers provide, which goes

way beyond serving essential hot meals. We reject the notion that in times of financial hardship for

many, it is always the low paid and our public services that suffer the most."

Statement from James Starnes, NEU Trafford Branch and District Secretary:

“These catering staff have shown real courage and determination across three days of strike action. They

should never have been forced into this position. The employer has still not produced convincing evidence

that this cut is necessary, and the assessments now provided only strengthen our concern that the

conclusion was reached before the consultation properly began.

These workers carry out essential duties every day, often under intense pressure, and their contribution

deserves respect rather than dismissal. Cutting one of the lowest paid workers while free lunches continue

for the highest earning staff is indefensible. The Trust should withdraw the proposal, engage meaningfully

with the union and find a fair resolution that protects jobs, pupils and the quality of the catering service.”

ENDS