The National Education Union’s 2021 Annual Conference has today
debated calls from members working in the independent sector for
a national campaign to protect teachers’ pensions in the sector
and for collective trade union representation in independent
schools.
Commenting on the passing of motion 33 at the National Education
Union’s Annual Conference, which is being held virtually, Kevin
Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education
Union, said:
“The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is a fundamental part of a
teacher’s remuneration. It is integral to the profession. We
believe that all teachers should have the right to be in the
scheme. The NEU will vigorously support our members’ defence of
their right to the TPS.
“The NEU is alarmed that a watershed moment in employee relations
within the independent sector has been reached. Employers are
resorting to the draconian practice of ‘fire and rehire’ as a
default position in an attempt to steam-roller contractual
change. The NEU believes that ‘fire and rehire’ has no place in
modern Britain.
“Sadly, on many occasions, NEU members have been left with little
option than to strike to protect their contractual rights.
Striking is absolutely the last resort. It is not something that
our members want to do. However, faced with a such fundamental
cut to their remuneration, and often the treat of ‘fire and
rehire’, many are prepared to do so.
“In the last few weeks, NEU members had a successful outcome to
their planned strike at the Mall School, London Borough of
Richmond. The employer agreed to halt any discussion on leaving
the TPS for the time being, but to review in two years’ time. And
our strike at Wycliffe College and prep school in
Gloucestershire, has been settled by way of compromise.
“The latest NEU members to join the fray are at Stonyhurst
College, Lancashire, giving notice of six days of strike action
in April.
“Members know that union recognition is the best way to influence
the decisions that directly affect their daily working lives. We
call upon all our members to look at strengthening their
collective voice.
“Teachers in the independent sector worked tirelessly under
extremely difficult circumstances during the covid lockdown. A
swingeing cut to their pension is no way to repay them. We call
on employers to pause and consider the big picture.”
