Proposed NUT/ATL merger

[RandomDent]

Apparently we are going to be ballotted soon. I don't know whether it's a good thing, the main argument for seems to be "bigger is better". I read a thread on the NUT Facebook page on this, lots of people getting annoyed that some people are considering voting no. What does anyone else think? I'm NUT and was wondering what individual ATL members think too.

I'm with ATL and purposely joined them because they are generally non-striking. In recent months I've been thinking of changing to NUT because of how much pressure the education system as a whole is being put under.
However I would not support a merger as I think having a choice of the type of union you want to align with is important.

On a local level, I'm not particularly enamoured with either! When I actually needed Union help I was completely let down. So having both of them doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. I might join the NASUWT instead. :)

Yes we had recent involvement and the NUT were rubbish. No attendance at meetings, no online support and no response to emails.

The NASUWT were brilliant though; their rep arrived at meetings fully briefed and very vocal on our behalf.

Oh that's worth knowing, thanks

I've been with the NUT for 14 years too. And my parents were both very active for them in the 70s and 80s. I was gutted to feel so let down by them.

I think most unions depend on your area team. NUT in my area are bloody brilliant.

On a national level, I love how nut and atl are committed to professional unity. I think it's important. I don't like how naswt are opposed seemingly just for the sake of it, they are literally refusing any discussions.

Another point is that if the merger goes through, as ta's are allowed in atl, they will be also able to join the new union. Personally I think that's bloody brilliant, but I know not everyone will think that, and some have questioned the protection for teachers etc. I'm quite excited about there being less of a ta/teacher divide.

I am in two minds
The rational part of me says that one of themsin issues for teachers has been the number of unuons, no single voice, no coherentl opposition to mad plans by the latest government.
The other side of me wails I joined the atl because I don't believe striking is effective for teachers.
The blurbs coming out are quite reassuring on that to be fair

Themsin??
Major ......