AIBU to expect teachers to strike in the school holidays and not in term time.

[NotSuchASmugMarriedNow]

Well am I?

Considering that teachers are always insisting that they work during the school holidays, how come they never strike during the school holidays and always wait until term time to do so?

Odd that!

[Tavv]

Teaching always used to be considered a profession, not an industry.

[Lcbirdy]

The thing is, the unions keep saying it's all about pensions, pay and conditions. It isn't. There are issues with that, but it's old news. The biggest issue is that the opportunities to actually EDUCATE are becoming fewer by the day. The emphasis is wrong. It's letting down children and families nationwide. The policies don't reflect reality. If that's what you want for your children, then fine. It's not what I want for mine. Good luck to them. I'd rather teachers be allowed to actually teach.

[echt]

The OP admitted she was unreasonable on page 3.

[MadeOfStarDust]

everyone loses a day of pay when they strike.

I hope it is not teachers who are calling the OP "stupid" - the word has been banned at our school as part of the anti bullying policy....

[overmydeadbody]

YABU and sounding slightly stupid.


Researdch strikes.

Are you also aware teachers loose a day of pay when they strike?

[echt]

MistressIggi, the parallel you draw between LTB and the threat of strike action is a compelling one.

I didn't think of it myself.

Work to rule is very hard indeed,as the effects are slow to emerge, so the government doesn't give a stuff.

In Victoria the AEU ponced around with mini-actions and work to rule, but it took strikes to get the government to the table. And this with a single teachers' union.

[merrymouse]

The reality is that 'striking during the holidays' (no planning/training) would be very damaging indeed.

[merrymouse]

Also agree that a day's strike is less harmful than weeks of work to rule.

[merrymouse]

The thing is, even when the ideas that gove's department cone up with are completely bonkers (childcare ratios, new history curriculum) he doesn't listen.

The conservatives don't have a majority, but have pushed through massive changes (free schools not so much a radical alternative for some, but the only option for any new school at a time when there is a shortage of places).

Teachers striking can't come as a surprise to anyone. I don't think every thing Gove does is wrong and I think some NUT representatives talk like idiots. However, given the lack of alternative means of communication I am surprised there haven't been more strikes.

[ChippingInNeedsSleepAndCoffee]

Yes - OP, you are right. They should strike when it will have no impact on anyone at all. FAB idea.



This has to be a wind up surely??

I personally think that all teachers should strike until Gove is taken out and shot resigns. (But we'd need to find a way to pay them!!)

[MistressIggi]

What position of strength can a union start from if withdrawal of labour is off the table?
Even in negotiations were striking is never mentioned, it is known that that is there as a last resort. Parents should fear a genuine work to rule far more.
It's like a relationship were you have decided that "LTB" is completely off the table. What is your ultimate recourse if the other person continues to treat you badly?

[Takingbackmonday]

ECHT - I'm self employed but thanks.

Unions have changed from a strong force for workers to a bloody nightmare for everyone else.

[ivykaty44]

I don't think teaching is an industry, the industry went and the unions with them.

Firemen were striking and other public service workers strike so not just teachers- it is a last report no one wants to strike.

[echt]

No, the teaching unions have tried work to rule. They have not gone for the strike first.

Tell me more about the unions who use microsurgery to achieve their ends.

[teacherwith2kids]

Echt, I think the point I am making is that many unions have moved on from the 'strike' as a single tool, and are much more sophisticatd in their ways of thinking and working - as befits our very different labour market nowadays. A few unionised industries - teaching being one - seem to have failed to move on in this way, and are left with this single, old-fashioned cudgel of a weapon while all around them are using targeted microsurgery.

[echt]

This particular strike might gain its end, it might not. I was making a general point about union activity over a very long period of time.

[teacherwith2kids]

Hmmm - working really well for teachers at the moment, isn't it? Which is why there actually is a strike, because the threat of a strike doesn't work when Gove benefits so much from teachers being unpopular with parents....

[echt]

Certainly the threat of strike action has always been a powerful persuader.

[Lara2]

Are YBU? Fuck yes!!!

[Mawgatron]

This is making me sad. Why is it so hard to accept that teachers work hard and do a good job, and therefore don't deserve to be treated this way.

I don't see firefighters getting slated for going on strike. Or London transport workers. I am not striking as I am on maternity but I would be if I was working. Support teachers to continue to do their jobs please!

[teacherwith2kids]

Yes, and many unions continue to work constructively and collaboratively with employers to continue to improve the lot of workers (though, tbh I had MUCH better pay and conditions in a non-unionised job than I do in teaching - but that's by the by). Were all those good things obtrained through strikes?? Sure??

[echt]

You know those holidays you get when at work? Those conditions of work, health and safety, maternity deals.? Unions got those for you and for millions of workers, Takingbackmonday

[Takingbackmonday]

IME if it pisses off the unions it's probably good for the parents.

[Spikeytree]

I walk a 1/4 mile between classrooms, up a hill, with no travelling time, carrying a laptop, 33 exercise books plus whatever resources needed that lesson. I do this a minimum of 3 times a day.

That's shit for the kids and for me now. When I'm 68 I think it may kill me.