The Association of School and College Leaders has today launched
the first national ballot on industrial action in our 150-year
history.
Ballot papers have today been posted to eligible members in
England. The ballot paper contains the terms of ASCL’s trade
dispute with Education Secretary over the linked issues of
pay, conditions, inadequacy of school funding and teacher
shortages and it asks one question: “Are you prepared to take
part in industrial action consisting of a strike?”
The ballot closes at 12 noon on 31 July. In the event of a ‘yes’
vote, strike action is expected to take place on dates to be
announced within the period 1 September 2023 to late January
2024. We intend to coordinate any action with the other education
unions, NAHT, NEU and NASUWT.
ASCL General Secretary Geoff Barton said: “This is not a
situation we ever envisaged being in, and the action being taken
today is done with a heavy heart. But the government’s failure to
address the growing crisis in education and their refusal to
reopen formal negotiations and agree a meaningful settlement has
left us with no other option. We will not stand idly by while
inadequate funding, teacher shortages and other challenges
continue to disrupt learning and impact negatively on school
leaders, staff and pupils. That is why we are asking all eligible
members to make their voices heard and #VoteForEducation.”
