My first NUT Executive meeting took place just before half
term and as has been announced by the union nationally the upcoming strike as
part of the ongoing national campaign is now to be on the 10th of
July. This will bring us into line with support staff unions who are expected to
join us on strike on the same day as they take action after rejecting the 1%
pay offer from the government.
It is a real positive that we will in all likelihood be
joined by Unison and GMB colleagues and this will only increase pressure on
Michael Gove to enter into genuine talks to resolve our dispute.
As I have argued however to get substantial concessions we
will have to increase the pressure and I was pleased that the survey of members
that is to take place before any action in the autumn will now be before we
break up for the summer. We will be looking over this survey at the next
meeting and I will be push for it to include clear options for a calendar of
action rather than isolated days so we can ramp up the pressure on the government
and get the dispute resolved.
The Executive also had a section devoted to the Blunkett Review which is likely to form the basis for the Labour Party’s education
manifesto. It is unfortunately a document that takes the marketisation of
education as inevitable and would see the further reduction in the roles of LEA
as employers of teachers. This for me emphasises the need for the union to be
taking strong action as we cannot reply on any party to make positive changes
for teachers come the general election.
General Secretary Election
This week ballot papers will be going out to members to
elect a General Secretary for the NUT. Christine Blower is being challenged by
Martin Powell-Davies. I am supporting Martin as I belive he has consistently
put forward a clear message that our dispute need clarity in our demands and clarity
on our industrial action strategy. Martin has an extensive blog here with more
details: http://electmartin1.blogspot.co.uk/
