AN EAST End teacher has won a top health and safety prize for his work tackling abuse and violence against colleagues in a city school.

William Reynolds, who teaches at Bannerman High in Baillieston, was presented with the Frank Maguire Award for Health and Safety at the STUC annual congress. First Minister Humza Yousaf made the presentation.

Judges said William, who is a long-standing union rep within the school, showed “enormous courage and resilience” and “demonstrated an exemplary record of taking steps, all the way up to industrial action, to protect his members against assaults at work, on the sure foundation that no teacher should ever have to experience abuse in the classroom”.

Previously, the Glasgow Times has reported on teacher strikes at Bannerman High amid allegations of violent pupil behaviour.

William said: “No one should face abuse, threats or violence at work. I am proud that a strong industrial response has helped reach a resolution.

“This campaign and dispute were about more than a single issue or a single pupil, it was about creating a more positive working environment for all staff within the school - and in working through the dispute, improvements in the industrial relations culture with Glasgow City Council were also able to be achieved.

“This award shows the strength of our movement and our members - that when we collectivise, unionise and fight for better conditions, workers throughout Scotland are a force to be reckoned with.”

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “Right across Scotland, in every sector of the economy, our reps and shop stewards are the face of our trade union movement in our workplaces and in our communities. Our annual Union Rep Awards celebrate these stalwarts and all those who have gone above and beyond this past year.

“William is a leading light of our movement, going above and beyond for his members at Bannerman High School.

“I agree with the NASUWT. William has been in a lynchpin role, providing continuity, confidence and support to members in the school who were dealing with violence and disruptive behaviour.   

“Our reps are the lifeblood of our movement, an incredible force for good in helping others in need. They have my utmost praise as they ingrain trade union values throughout their workplaces.”