Teachers to strike over over pay and pensions

NUT and NASUWT, the two biggest teachers’ union will go on strike over pensions, workloads, and pay.

09:12 06 September 2013

Following the confirmation of regional strikes that will start next month, NUT and NASUWT, the two biggest teachers’ union have threatened a national one-day strike over pay, pensions, and workload. Although the specific date for the strike hasn’t been announced yet, it is said to be scheduled before Christmas. 

 

Regional strikes, on the other hand, are scheduled on October 1 in the east of England and on October 17 in London, North East, South East, and South West. 

 

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "It is disappointing that the NUT and NASUWT are striking over the government's measures to allow heads to pay good teachers more. 

 

"In a recent poll, 61% of respondents supported linking teachers' pay to performance and 70% either opposed the strikes or believed that teachers should not be allowed to strike at all."

 

Meanwhile, Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, said: "At the start of the new academic year, the last thing teachers wish to be doing is preparing for further industrial action. 

 

"With pay, pensions and working conditions being systematically attacked and an education secretary who refuses to listen or negotiate teachers now have no other choice."