Dad triggers backlash by calling for teachers to be fined for post-holiday strikes

Steven Doherty was outraged his son couldn't go to school when teachers went on strike - and argued they should get a fine because he had one for one out of two school holidays

Steven Doherty compared teachers striking for better pay and conditions to him going on vacation (

Image: Kennedy News and Media

A father has faced backlash after demanding teachers be fined for going on strike, after being fined for taking his son on vacation out of term.

Steven Doherty was upset that 13-year-old Alfie Doherty couldn't go to his school on Wednesday because the teachers were on strike.

The 44-year-old says he is upset he was fined £240 for taking Alfie on an illegal holiday, but teachers can stage industrial action to fight for their pay and working conditions after a decade sharply reduced wages.

He has since incurred the fury of other parents by writing a sarcastic email to the school saying he is disappointed that the staff went on strike and the school was closed for the day.

People said the email was offensive to striking teachers, who have received below-inflation pay increases for years, down 11% on average between 2010 and 2022, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

His email, sent on Wednesday evening, ends with an announcement of a £120 fine per teacher who should have been teaching Alfie that day - even adding his payment details and a deadline of the February 14.

The father-of-five said teachers were 'hypocritical' for exercising their right to strike but did not allow him to take Alfie out of school for a school holiday.

Nicola and Steven took Alfie out of school for a vacation (

Picture:

Kennedy News and Media)