Commenting on today’s industrial action in England and gathering
of members at Trafalgar Square, Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin
Courtney, Joint General Secretaries of the National Education
Union, said:
“Today, there were two budget statements: one from the
Chancellor, and another on the streets which surround Parliament.
The voices came from across England, en masse,
representing public sector workers who today have taken strike
action. This includes NEU members who work in schools and
colleges, uniting to speak as one at a huge Trafalgar Square
rally.
“We are very proud of the teachers who took to picket lines this
morning, where they were joined by parents and supported by the
general public who honked their cars. We are proud of those many
thousands of members who joined us in London to amplify the
message that must save our schools.
“The latest Parentkind poll shows that support for the teacher
strikes has grown, not fallen. In addition, 72% agree that
teachers should receive a pay settlement in line with current
inflation. 83% are concerned about teacher shortages.
“This is what we know. One in four teachers leaves within three
years of qualification – a third within five. Teachers work more
unpaid overtime than any other profession. The Government missed
its target for recruiting new secondary school teachers by 41%
this year. Experienced teachers have seen a 23% real-terms pay
cut since 2010.
“These are the reasons why we are striking, for the good of the
education service as a whole. Parents understand very well what
is at stake. Through serial neglect, and over more than a decade,
this Government has driven schools and colleges into the ground.
Our children deserve so much better.
“A fully-funded, above inflation pay rise for all teachers would
go a long way to address the issues facing schools and colleges.
It would have a profound and positive effect on the current
recruitment and retention crisis. We could then work to address
the factors driving up workload, and ensure a talented workforce
can remain in the job they love rather than leave through
exhaustion. The benefits to the pupils they teach would be
profound and immediate.
“Gillian Keegan could end this dispute by engaging in formal
talks with us, but the only hindrance to talks has been herself. The NEU has always
been ready to meet to discuss pay and resolve this dispute, but
the Education Secretary’s precondition of first calling off
strike action – unprecedented in previous talks, and not a factor
for Wales or Scotland – has been put in the way. We would meet
immediately if she were to drop it.
“From Thursday night, will have no further excuse
to delay talks, since we currently have no further strike dates
identified. We hope that this opportunity is not squandered, and
this dispute can be resolved. The Education Secretary must now
recognise her responsibility to invest in the education of this
generation of children, hit so hard by Covid, and to invest in
those who teach them.”
