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Original poster

Teachers on strike - do they usually name names?

413 replies

hester · 20/06/2011 17:35

Just had a letter from dc's school, warning us of strike action at the end of the month and listing by name those teachers who will be on strike, and those who won't. They will close the classes of the striking teachers, and keep open the others.

Is this normal practice? I would have thought it would expose individual teachers to some irate parents? I also expected that they would treat it as a whole school issue, provide what cover they can, maybe suspend lessons and hav a games day in the hall. And if they couldn't do that, close the whole school?

OP posts:
2BoysTooLoud · 20/06/2011 17:42

I don't know if it is normal to name names. Still waiting for our school to inform us if it is closing or not.
I can see some potential issues with naming names though!

lulaloop · 20/06/2011 17:43

It is because teachers are in different unions and you are not supposed to cover for a colleague that is striking.

So if I don't strike I am happy to teach my class, I am not however happy to cover my colleague's class if she is striking. That is the advice from my union.

mrz · 20/06/2011 17:52

Only two teaching unions are striking on the 30th (the other main teaching union plans to ballot members after the 27th and the head teacher's union has also announced a ballot) so schools with large numbers of staff in the striking unions will probably close where others will be able to have some classes taught.

Original poster
hester · 20/06/2011 17:55

I see, lulaloop. that makes sense.

2Boys: the parents round here are feckin terrifying. the poor striking teachers are going to be strung up if they don't agree to provide remedial tutoring for Jemima and Archie in compensation...

OP posts:
Ihavenoclue · 20/06/2011 18:02

We have 2 teachers possibly out for the day. Just those classes are planned to be closed for the day.

Mum2be79 · 20/06/2011 19:02

I think when you are told your child's class will be closed that day will ultimately inform you of which teacher is striking.

Our school has 5 teachers in NUT and 0 in ATL. Of those 5, 4 are definitely striking and 1 of those does reading recovery so only 3 teachers out. However if NASUWT decide to strike that's 9 classes out of 12 striking!

Grockle · 20/06/2011 19:07

My school will send a letter home to the pupils in classes taught by teachers who will be on strike. So, the parents will know which teachers are out. I am bracing myself. One of my parents was furious when our school was closed so staff could attend the funeral of my lovely TA who was murdered. Apparently we were unreasonable to not be teaching that day so I am fully expecting quite a vicious complaint

Original poster
hester · 20/06/2011 19:12

Grockle, that's terrible. There must be some parents who make your heart sink when you see them at the door...

OP posts:
Grockle · 20/06/2011 19:17

Yes, it was horrible. Sadly, there are always some people who think they are more important than anyone else.

Feenie · 20/06/2011 19:21

NASUWT are balloting after the 27th, Mumtobe79, so they won't be striking on the 30th.

Strix · 20/06/2011 19:30

Our school is closing because "almost all of the teachers" have informed the head they will be striking. I wish I had a list of names. Perhaps I'll pass on the end of the year present contribution this year.

Grockle · 20/06/2011 19:33

Seriously, Strix?

mrz · 20/06/2011 19:33

My school will be closed as all but one teacher are members of the NUT or AOL.

woolleybear · 20/06/2011 19:59

I can remember when my mum was teaching, she was the only one in once as all other teachers were on strike. She did all she could to stay at work as she doesn't believe in striking and did not belong to a striking Union.

mrz · 20/06/2011 20:05

Does anyone really want to strike? It isn't something anyone undertakes lightly

Strix · 20/06/2011 20:09

Anyone who doesn't want to strike won't.

mrz · 20/06/2011 20:18

I don't want to strike but I will be on strike on the 30th

Strix · 20/06/2011 20:33

Is someone holding a gun to your head?

Grockle · 20/06/2011 20:33

I don't want to either. But it's not right that other people strike on my behalf. I have been called by my union to strike and so I will. I would expect them to support me if I needed it and its only right that I support them.

Strix · 20/06/2011 20:34

So loyalty to the union before the children?

Grockle · 20/06/2011 20:37

Loyalty to myself, my beliefs and my family's future. Then to other people's children. I do a lot for them, more than my job description. I feel bad that, for one day I won't be at work, but I won't be made to feel guilty.

Grockle · 20/06/2011 20:38

If I didn't agree with my union about the concerns, I would have joined a different one and would not be on strike.

MigratingCoconuts · 20/06/2011 20:39

No Strix, i think that is really unfair. I believe mzr is saying that the iissue is driving her to strike..the Government have forced her into this position.

(sorry to put words into mrz's mouth Grin)

Strix · 20/06/2011 20:40

Yes, as I thought, it is about you and yours and not a care in the world about the havoc that your refusual to do your job imposes on those of us who do intend to go to our jobs on that and every other day.

I hope teachers are under no illusion that parents everywhere support them. Parents who are working just as hard as teachers.

Strix · 20/06/2011 20:42

It's not unfair. He/she is making a concious rational decision, and then saying it's nothing to do with him/her. If you are going to make a choice, at least have the decency to stand up and say you made it.

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