Why isn't my DCs school striking?

[curlytoes]

So I've been a bit self absorbed recently and am not as politically aware as I'd like. I just noticed that my DCs school is open as usual on Wednesday when there is a national teachers strike. They closed for the last strike and sent a letter to parents explaining how strongly they felt about the cause.

I wondered what has changed? Were some of the aims of the last strike met? Are there different unions involved? Are less schools getting involved this time? FWIW, I would strongly support the school in defending the rights of teachers.

I've tried a quick google search but couldn't find a clear comparison between this strike and the last. I feel a bit shy to ask the teachers.

I may get tied up with the DCs for a bit but will be back when I can. Thank you anyone who can enlighten me!

[Feenie]

Presumably because their teacher are all in different unions instead of the NUT.

The NASUWT chose not to join until for this latest strand of joint action

www.nasuwt.org.uk/Whatsnew/NASUWTNews/PressReleases/NASUWTIndustrialActionPR

[curlytoes]

but it's the same teachers that did strike last time so presumably they must have been NUT before.

[noblegiraffe]

No, NASUWT also went on strike last time but aren't striking this time.

[kimlo]

it was a joint strime last time, they were probably in the other union.

the dds school was open last time, only one teacher was on strike so that class stayed off. This time we have got a letter saying the whole school is closing.

[Silkyandmoonface]

most of our staff are in NASWUT so the school closed due to the strike last time. We won't be closed this time because we aren't allowed to-only members of the NUT can strike.

[curlytoes]

I think I had it back to front. I thought the union with the long acronym was joining in this time. Thanks for the info.

[Madcats]

No sign of a strike at my daughter's infant school. I'm not sure that any of the teachers have striker in the 2 1/2 years we have been there.

[kimlo]

they might strike yet, last time we weren't told until the day before.

[juniper44]

I call NASUWT 'naz-eugh-wut' but they insist on calling themselves the N-A-S-U-W-T.

I'm actually the president of my local association too, so I should probably bother to get the name right. My way is quicker

[nicp123]

At my DS school fewer Union members than last time, and the rest of staff refused to strike. DS disappointed :(

[mummy1973]

Some members of the NUT have decided not to strike this time as it is not a coordinated strike with the other teaching unions.

[Feenie]

Some members of the NUT should join another union then!

[mrz]

Why be in a union if you aren't willing to back it?

[MM5]

Many teachers I know are in unions for insurance. When you join a union, they insure you and if, for some reason, you need legal help, you can get it quick. Also, they support the individual HR issues.

Education is a funny creature. Many are passionate about teaching children and consider it more than a job. It is a calling. So, a call to strike,meven if they feel the reasons are right, puts educators at odds with their belief that all children deserve an education.

At no time in the last decade has striking made a difference in education. The government does what it wants, the public call educators lazy and inadequate and nothing ever changes.

Also, considering the low wages of many teachers and that they are likely main bread winners, a days pay docked can have a significant impact on personal budgets that they can't afford on a month to month basis!

[mrz]

So they want support if they need it but won't support the union in return

[Feenie]

They can get out of the striking union whose action they refuse to support and join a non-striking one.

[Feenie]

And no one can afford to strike, fgs.

[RiversideMum]

There is a no strike union (voice) if people feel strongly about not striking. I think if you are in a union you need to back the votes and support your colleagues in that union.

[MM5]

Hey, I am just saying. Teachers are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

BTW, can you tell me which teacher unions never have gone on strike?

[mrz]

Voice (formerly known as PAT) have never gone on strike

[MM5]

I never heard of that union. Mthank you. I will pass on that info to those who don't want to strike.

[Feenie]

No, they're not, MM5, they have perfectly valid choices which don't have to include undermining their colleagues' action. It's indefensible.

[MM5]

Feenie, confused by what you mean.

[Feenie]

Not sure which bit of that could possibly be seen as ambiguous!

Put very simply: there are other unions they could join. By not supporting the actions of their union and the colleagues who support that action, they are weakening the action of their union and therefore undermining both their union and the colleagues who do support it.

They do have a choice.

[MM5]

Fair enough... I am not arguing with you. Everyone has their opinion and and reasons.

I have never been a union that, when I was a member, went on strike. I don't resent those who have gone on strike. But, people want to know. So, I said what I have heard others say. Now, I can tell them about a union I never heard about and they can make that choice if they chose.