Commenting on a meeting this afternoon (Tuesday 14 March) between
Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and
College Leaders, and Education Secretary , over the pay dispute and
industrial action, Mr Barton said:
“Today’s discussion was helpful and the Secretary of State has
listened to our view that progress will only be made by finding a
way to reconvene talks with all the education unions
collectively. It is vital that any further talks are accompanied
by a meaningful offer on pay and conditions which ends industrial
action and addresses the underlying teacher recruitment and
retention crisis.
“To be clear. Talks had been taking place until the Secretary of
State refused to engage further with all education unions. All of
us had wanted the talks to continue. Her reason for ending talks
was her view that the NEU should first pause strike action –
despite there being no hint of an actual offer. This precondition
created an impasse, and she subsequently rejected our joint call
to bring in ACAS to conciliate. Parents should know that this
week’s strikes could have been averted if proper negotiations had
taken place to secure a settlement.
“This is extremely regrettable, but we will nevertheless continue
to engage constructively and hope for a resolution in the near
future.”
