Don't want to join the teaching strike

[SweetRascal]

I'm a primary school teacher of 12 years and with the NEU. For my own reasons, I don't want to vote yes to striking but will this be judged negatively by other teachers? I just don't feel comfortable with the disruption it causes.

When that plastic wrapped newsletter comes in the post it goes straight in the bin.

Can you take the plastic wrapper off, and then put the plastic and the newsletter in the appropriate recycling containers please? 👍

@FranBrill might be worth checking out Edapt. It's an alternative to a union which gives exactly the same level of legal protection but the subs are only around £13 per month.

Edapt is apolitical and does not take part in strike action or political campaigning, our main focus is providing high-quality employment support for your role in school.

I moved over to them a couple of years ago as we were struggling financially. I moved back to NEU before the ballot so that I could take part in the collective action for change which is what a union is all about tbf.

your decision OP. You'll be turning down any gains the strike wins, though, right?

This keeps coming up, and it’s wrong.

Not all teachers in the NEU went on strike. I get that for some that’s morally wrong.

But it isn’t lacking morals to be in a different union or not to be in a union

Says it all really. You have no idea what a union is. I'm glad I'm no longer teaching and having to work alongside people like that.

Tell me what it is exactly that you take umbrage with. 25 years teaching, impeccable record, a supportive colleague, never absent, a good teacher.
Why isn't that enough? I'm not going to apologise for not being political or not hating the conservatives (incidentally I vote labour). I also don't fall into the camp of joining in with (yawn) negative conversations about SLT. I politely listen but make no comment. Yes, I'm in the union but it isn't something I really give any thought to. I'm in it to protect myself although I've never once had reason to contact them.

Yes, you are right. I should do that and if I had a budgie I'd line the floor of their cage with the rest.

Franbrill as an older teacher, you may find you do one day need that insurance policy if they decide to manage you out. (Hopefully not)

Isn’t that the point, a lot of people are in unions for the insurance if you like.

Yes but the poster seemed to think it was worthy of comment that she had never needed to use the union. Tempting fate, to me!

No. I'm a firm believer in let others fight the cause and if I benefit as a result then that's a bonus.

No. I'm a firm believer in let others fight the cause and if I benefit as a result then that's a bonus.

Why are you paying Union fees then? Shame on you.

No. I'm a firm believer in let others fight the cause and if I benefit as a result then that's a bonus

I’d be ashamed of holding that opinion.

People like that have no shame.

supportive colleagues don't shamelessly undermine each other and screw others over.

The wrapper it comes in is actually compostable 🙂