To ask why the NEU aren’t sitting down and talking about pay?

[Isntthatapippette]

Genuine not goady.

Dear parents and carers,

I’m writing to update you ahead of the strike action planned by the National Education Union on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

This industrial action will mean more disruption to children’s education and to your lives too – whether that’s work, arranging childcare, or changing other plans.

I am extremely disappointed that many young people will once again miss invaluable time learning with their teachers and friends, particularly after their education was significantly disrupted during the pandemic.

It is made worse by the fact that this strike action is completely unnecessary. As I said to the NEU three weeks ago, I want to get around the table and engage in serious talks on teachers’ pay and other issues to resolve disputes.

My only condition was that strike action is paused so those discussions can take place in good faith and without disruption.

This was the same offer, and the same condition, made to unions representing nurses, ambulance workers and physiotherapists. Those unions accepted that offer, paused their strikes and are now negotiating on behalf of their members in private.

The NEU instead seems focused on strikes and all the needless disruption that brings.

This morning I have written to the unions again to invite them to have those talks on Wednesday and Thursday this week – all they need to do is call off strikes which are unnecessary and benefit no one.

The single best thing the NEU could do for both its members and for children and young people would be to sit down and talk about pay.

I will continue doing everything I can to end the disruption your family is facing as quickly as possible, particularly because I know exams for older pupils are coming up fast.

I hope any arrangements you make this week mean that pupils’ education can continue – even if not in the classroom – and that the next time I write it will be with news that this disruption has been brought to an end.

Yours sincerely,

The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP
Secretary of State for Education

I have heard that it was a precondition for the health unions entering talks that they would recommend any deal that was offered to their members- not entirely sure how true this is, but it just shows how the government are setting weird hoops to jump through before unions even get to the table.

Anyway, apparently we were going to get a super amazing deal if we had just talked.

But the deal offered to the health unions would actually leave a nurse worse off next May (I think).

I don't think I have a point here as such except I don't hold out much hope.

I genuinely don't know.

The NEU is growing, and I believe we've actually seen more people striking on at least one of these two days, not less! In my region, apparently there have also been more pickets, and rallies etc are getting good turnouts (even in bad weather).

I think the NEU is actually getting stronger because it is striking- I know that sounds bizarre, but from personal experience, I'm meeting members at other schools, hearing inspiring speakers, learning more about the situation across the county. Members are having success getting money from hardship funds and that helps them feel like they can keep going and keep striking.

BUT

Exams are coming up- BTEC exams start almost immediately after the Easter holidays. The majority of teachers won't strike during exams and I think the NEU knows this. I think they know calling a strike during the exam period would end up making them look weak and make things really difficult for members.

They need to make use of this window, but I think it would be maybe one strike date in April, and then maybe a longer period of strikes in late June/July?

I'd also really, really hope NASUWT might use the exam period to reballot members, like they promised they would.

And perhaps NEU can reballot support staff? Support staff are (having to) keep a lot of schools open and if they were out with us and could be properly supported by the union, I think that would make a huge difference.

So, if anything, we could see an escalation in the summer.

If support staff were going to be out, I think the NEU would win a reballot over the summer hols, too?

My expectation is that Gillian is going to say 'I had a fab deal for you but you went on strike and now that money has gone to the nurses so there's nothing to offer you anymore.'

The government are far more interested in posturing than actually solving problems (see also "small boats").

UNISON are gearing up to ballot about support staff pay. 🤞

Been asked to vote for or against the offer in Wales. Unsure at the moment. In real terms as UPs3 I will be £5K better off over 2 years. Lower down colleagues will be just over £3K

Why won't teachers strike during exams? We have done all the work for those classes by then. Strikes right now gave me far more anxiety.

The teachers haven't been striking long OP give them chance.

It doesn't help that all schools seem to be different things. If your going to strike just shut all the schools ffs.... fannying around with just certain year groups!

The majority of schools were closed or partially closed today and yesterday, according to the DfE.

We should strike in SATs week. King's new hat day on the Monday, then no SATs. 4 days out.

Great idea

Well, talks are now taking place.

No new strike dates to be announced for the next two weeks, which takes us to the Easter holidays. Not sure if they’d announce any in the holidays (hope not, workload considerations) and then we’re getting into exam season.