Teachers are set to walk out in the new school year amid a dispute over pay. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) have already taken strike action in England over the current school year, but other unions had not been involved.
A ballot in January among members of the NASUWT teaching union did not reach the 50% turnout threshold required by law. However, the results of a fresh ballot from the union have been announced this morning (July 12), with a turnout of 51.9%.
Overall, 88.5% of NASUWT teacher members in England who voted in the ballot backed strike action. Of those who voted, 94.3% backed action short of strikes.
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The union says it now plans to stage continuous action short of strikes, starting in September. Dates for strike action in the autumn term will also be considered and will be coordinated with other unions where possible, NASUWT says.
The NEU has been balloting members in England to resume industrial action in the new school year. Members of the NAHT school leaders’ union and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) could also join them, following their ongoing ballots.
Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: “Today our members have sent a strong message to the government and to employers that teachers demand a better deal on pay and to address excessive workload and working hours. Our members have secured the largest mandate for industrial action by the NASUWT in over a decade, exceeding the government’s anti-trade union ballot thresholds.
“We have today written to the government and to employers confirming the prospect for industrial action in schools the length and breadth of the country from this autumn.” Unions say the strike action follows real-terms pay cuts over the past decade, leading to teachers leaving the profession.
The industrial action also comes amid soaring inflation over the past 18 months. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has repeatedly urged teaching unions not to take strike action amid the ongoing dispute.
A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News last week: “Any strike action is hugely damaging. We have made a fair and reasonable pay offer to teachers, recognising their incredible work and commitment.
"Thousands of schools received significant additional funding as part of the extra £2 billion of investment we are providing both this year and next. As a result, school funding will be at its highest level in history next year, as measured by the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies)."
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