The centre of Durham played host to a National Education Union (NEU) rally as teachers went on strike for the second day this week.
The rally in Durham was attended by NEU members and other supporters of the strikes with speeches from a Labour MP and trade union leaders.
The event in the Market Square attracted a crowd of over 100 people, who were all showing their support for teachers and the strike action with flags and banners.
These strikes come after an offer of a 4.3% pay rise and an additional payment of £1,000, which the Department for Education (DfE) described as "fair and reasonable", was rejected by all four unions involved.
Today's action was the seventh day of national strikes since February, which comes as the independent review body have reportedly recommended a 6.5% pay rise for teachers.
Labour MP for Durham, Mary Foy spoke at the event and said: "There are over 15,000 teachers out in force, demanding the pay that you all deserve, and demanding that your profession is treated with respect. For too long, politicians have taken you for granted and have failed to recognise the amazing job that you all do, day after day.
"This isn't a Government that respects teachers, it is one that doesn't care about the future of our children. Let me be clear to all of you on strike today that you have my full and unconditional support and solidarity, and you always will."
Dr Mary Bousted, the Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, also spoke at the rally, talking about her history with Durham and what the NEU strikes are trying to achieve.
"When I was asked where I wanted to speak today, I said I'll go to Durham, as I did my PGCE here and it's where I started my long career in education.
"I wanted to reflect on teachers and how wonderful you all are, and it isn't said enough what an important job you do. I'd like to see a politician try to keep a class of 30 children engaged, interested and motivated.
"Teachers are the block on which the future is built, if you don't invest in teachers, then you don't grow the foundations for a successful nation. What a disgrace it is that this Government have allowed this to happen to our education system."
The DfE insisted a “fair and reasonable” pay offer had been made to the unions.
A department spokesman said: “This strike action will see the cancellation of end of term events and important transition days to secondary schools, impacting children and causing more disruption for parents.”
The DfE said it “hugely” valued the work of teachers and had listened to demands for a £2bn increase in schools funding.
On pay, the spokesman said: “As part of the normal process, the independent School Teachers’ Review Body has submitted its recommendations to Government on teacher pay for 2023/24.
“We will be considering the recommendations and will publish our response in the usual way.”
