We did it!
Tina Louise Patterson raised £36,268.5 from 1470 supporters
or
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 23/11/2016
Weʼve raised £36,268 to support Durham Teaching Assistants fight against pay cuts proposals. 2,700 could lose up to 23% of annual income.
- Funded on Wednesday, 23rd November 2016
Don't have time to donate right now?
Story
In Oct '15 proposals were announced to change the terms and conditions of the contracts of employment for 2,700 Teaching Assistants. We have rejected 3 slightly varied proposals to date, offering only 1 year's compensation for loss of income, and this could result in us being sacked on 31.12.16 and reinstated on 1.1.17 under new terms and conditions. These relatively low paid workers provide invaluable assistance to teachers and we strongly object to the way the need for these changes, under threat of inequality pay claims, have been presented by our employer.
TAs have come together and after organising initial meetings, formed the County Durham Teaching Assistants Activists Committee (CDTAAC). Donations have begun to be received and we hope to fund legal advice and industrial action.
The strength of feeling is such that 500 TAs attended a meeting at Redhills Miners Hall supported by Durham TUC and subsequently 800 TAs marched at the Durham Miners Gala gaining support from unions at a national level and from Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party.
The issue is difficult in terms of employment procedures. However many TAs have 20-30 years in post, years that have seen several huge changes in the delivery of education to children across the board. The role of TA has developed into something much more akin to Teachers' employment than that of a similar graded Business Administrator.
CDTAAC represents TAs in all their varying circumstances. Being offered increased hours is an attempt to reduce the impact of contract changes but not all Heads can offer increased hours and not all TAs can suddenly accept more hours due to other commitments.
Historically we know our pay is for term time working divided equally by 12 months. At this point in time our employer is trying to say we are paid over the school holidays and to convert us to term time pay again, by reducing our paid weeks. Without taking the increased hours the loss adds up to 23%, or £4,000 in real terms.
Updates
7
8 years agoTina Louise Patterson
8 years ago
The Lions of Durham are fighting an incredibly important issue, which has escalated in interest way beyond our wildest dreams, up and down the country and even overseas. At this point in time the pressure on our employers for some negotiation is coming from all angles and changes daily. We sincerely thank all of you who have donated with such compassion and generosity. Your messages of support and encouragement to continue our fight have meant so much since last August. THE TAs OF CO DURHAM ARE ROARING A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR JG GIVERS.
Share this update to help us raise more
- 8 years ago
Tina Louise Patterson
8 years agoOur JG period ends 23/11/16. Durham TAs face huge pay cuts. Our employer cites possible inequality pay claims as their refusal to back track on these proposals. TAs are striking again with over 100 picket lines and a mass protest. TAs are asking for a pay grading structure reflecting our professionalism, in line with neighbouring authorities. Striking costs money ... thank you for your help. Please continue to follow us on twitter @TAs_Durham and fb Durham Teaching Assistants Value Us. Donate to CDTAAC Memb 9005, PBCB Acc 20039763, 60 83 01.
Share this update to help us raise more
- 8 years ago
Tina Louise Patterson
8 years agoThank you for your support at this tough time. The majority of TAs have voted for STRIKE ACTION in Co Durham because they do not accept their employer's proposals in regards to previous contracts, pay structure and the moral issue of reducing an individual's pay by 23%. Unison, Unite and ATL members are in preparation for striking before Christmas. GMB union members are now caught up in alternative proceedings. As our campaign continues follow us on fb, Durham Teaching Assistants Value Us campaign & twitter @TAs_Durham. Many thanks CDTAAC.
Share this update to help us raise more
- 8 years ago
Tina Louise Patterson
8 years agoOur continued THANKS for your contributions! CDTAAC is working hard and the Lions of Durham can be heard roaring across the county. A load went to L'pool, on the Labour Party Conf w/e, and met with 2 union heads who listened. A further party went to Brum, w/e of the Tory Party Conf, and were invited to lead the Anti-Austerity March of thousands. The vast majority of TAs have rejected the final offer, but even those accepting have received 'sack and re-engage with new terms & conditions' letters. As our strike ballot is underway, hear us ROAR!
Share this update to help us raise more
Tina Louise Patterson started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
1470
Anonymous
Nov 23, 2016
you do such a good job. you deserve better
£10.00
Anna Vickerage
Nov 23, 2016
As a teacher myself you are invaluable. Solidarity.
£30.00
Kate Nutt
Nov 23, 2016
Solidarity with the Durham TA's - your fight is our fight xxx
Anonymous
Nov 23, 2016
£10.00
Sam Holdaway
Nov 23, 2016
good luck, stay strong
£20.00
Sarah Cox
Nov 23, 2016
£30.00
Anonymous
Nov 23, 2016
Solidarity with the Teaching Assistants in Durham and everywhere!
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered charity.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and donʼt let that cause go unfunded!
About CrowdfundingAbout the fundraiser