How long do you think teachers will be called out for?

[RBKB]

Not a debate about whether you would/ should strike- I am going to, but have no idea what the NEU will call us out for. A day, followed by further days if no progress? Obviously we all lose wages at a very difficult time so want to brace myself!!!

I don't think there will be any strike action. I think the fear of redundancies due to budget cuts, plus rising costs will deter many.

Seriously? If we don’t strike now, at this absolutely critical point in education in this country, what will be the long term outcome? The only way redundancies can happen en masse is if PPA rights are reduced and class sizes are increased. Neither of these options is conducive to either the recruitment or retention of teachers. And parents won’t like 40 + kids in a classroom.

@TortolaParadise I suspect you might have misjudged. In my neck if the woods there are zero maths teachers, zero supply teachers and TAs are leaving in droves, as Aldi pays more. Schools can't make teachers redundant unless, as pp says, everyone accepts class sizes of 40

Just as a general point, local NEU branches are setting up hardship funds, so if striking causes you any issues, do speak to your branch and they may be able to help. It may be a flat payment rather than replacing your pay, but better than nothing?

The impression I have is that it will be one day followed by further dates if there is no response from the government. The ballot only lasts for a limited time, so it could be a few days in quite quick succession.

The whole point of striking for a fully funded pay rise is to avoid redundancies....

Thank you @Postapocalypticcowgirl , really useful!!! I won't approach the hardship fund as can scrape by as long as there's around 5 strike days max. Fingers xxed the govt. funds our pay rise which is my main fury. Teach fairly impoverished kids. They NEED the extra bits schhol provides!!!

My school have made 5 teachers (2 are SMT) and 3 T.A's redundant. Jaws are still wide open! I don't think anyone will strike at my school. However, my thoughts could be totally wrong! I agree action is needed.

Aren’t the redundancies a stronger argument for strike action? We need funded pay rises.

I agree. I am simply sharing my thoughts about the mood of my school. The mood is shock & fear.

@TortolaParadise 5 teachers? We’re they class teachers? What has happened re:class sizes?

I’m sorry @TortolaParadise. That must be a horrible atmosphere and really difficult to say goodbye to your colleagues.

@Shiningsilverargent 2 teachers were SMT; one class based one non class based. Three classes have been merged into split classes. The school is now 1.5 form entry school due to fall in roll.

@OutDamnedSpot Worst atmosphere I have experienced in a long time.