NEU ballot this week

[Softdressesandblouses]

NEU reps: just wondering how you're answering any queries re the ballot this week. I'm a rep, very pro-union and always follow the union line, but my members are still pretty much strike weary after last year (the ones who actually struck, that is).

How do you handle reluctance to vote in favour, particularly when teachers might be thinking there will be a change in government and it might not be necessary yet?

I also can't find anything on the Labour party's stance on teacher pay - does anyone know? That in itself would be a good reason imo to ramp up action ...

Thank you

I'm pointing out that the proposed timescales are very long, and designed primarily to keep politicians' minds (of every hue) focused on Education and its funding crisis. A vote "yes" now is not a vote to strike tomorrow.

Thank you @Lemonsole - good points.

There are a number of really angry people in my school because we had so much public support last time and are concerned that we won't have that this time round because we already accepted a pay offer on the advice of the union and now they're asking us to do it all again. The concern is that this time the support won't be there. I voted not to accept it but I agree completely. We were told it was fully funded when it actually wasn't and there are likely to be more redundancies in my school next year as a result, making our working conditions even worse.

Any idea what NASUWT are planning to do. I'm strike weary. I was out last year as l believe in union action but it's galling to be hundreds of pounds poorer and seeing those who didn't strike benefit at literally no cost to themselves.

My understanding is that NASUWT are actually balloting this time. Share your irritation that it's their turn this time...

I understand the reluctance to vote in favour given everything that happened at the end of the ballot last time around. I do think on a national level the union misjudged the strategy.

HOWEVER this is where we are and a negative vote on an indicative ballot or a low turnout will only hurt the profession. I'd ask people in your school if they can genuinely cope with a 1% pay rise next year. In my school it's relatively easy because a huge number of people are taking on additional work whether it's a shift in the pub over the weekend, cleaning holiday lets over Easter or more "traditional" exam marking or tutoring type stuff.

There are a few members I know who feel really strongly we should not strike this time. I respect their views because they aren't anti strike just anti the way things have been handled, and I've suggested they vote no because I think on a national level all views within the union should be heard.

In terms of a change in government, I think the key point is that education isn't currently a priority for either party. By striking, we could make education a key election issue, which can only help us.