Today (Tues 6th June), the general secretaries of
teacher and school leader unions, including NAHT, ASCL and NEU,
have written to their members in all schools in England
encouraging them to hold joint-union staff meetings on industrial
action.
The unions have previously announced their intention to
co-ordinate industrial action going forward. Speaking at school
leaders’ union NAHT’s Annual Conference last month, the general
secretaries pointed out that their combined memberships would
mean action if taken would affect nearly every school in England.
All the unions are currently balloting their members to take
strike action in the Autumn term, with NEU and NAHT’s ballots
currently running, and ASCL’s due to commence this month.
The letter sent today calls for staff meetings of all union
members eligible to vote in any of the ballots to be held the
week commencing 19 June, to discuss how to maximise turnout and
encourage members to return their ballot papers.
The letter reads:
“The education system has faced years of real-term pay erosion; a
funding crisis; enormous recruitment and retention challenges;
escalating workload and working hours; and an inspection system
that is doing more harm than good.
“As a result, the four largest teacher and leader unions are in
the process of balloting members in order to secure a mandate for
industrial action.
“We have worked incredibly hard to engage with the government on
these issues and to try to find satisfactory solutions, but it
simply refuses to listen. We believe that a mandate for
industrial action across all of our unions is the only way we can
get your voice heard.
“In an almost unprecedented show of solidarity, all four of our
unions have agreed to work together on this campaign. This shows
not just the sense of unity among the profession but also our
determination to make sure this government starts to engage
properly with us in order to address these crucial issues.
“Regardless of which union you are in, it is absolutely essential
we all work together to ensure everyone eligible casts their
vote. This really is a time to stand together and stand up for
the profession.
“Whether you are in the same union or in different unions, these
staff meetings will provide a perfect opportunity to come
together and show your solidarity for one another in this ongoing
campaign.
“We are all clear that we are now in a battle for the very future
of education – stand with your colleagues and join us as we
strive to bring about real change.”
The full letter can be read here: JOINT GS Letter - staffroom
meetings - June 2023.pdf.
