Frequently Asked Questions
Strike action is not easy, and no union would
responsibly call its members out without good reason. Our members across London
have voted overwhelmingly for this action, but it is important that we answer
the questions our own members, colleagues from other unions, parents and the
general public might ask -or do ask. Q. The only real harm
that you will do is to the children.
A. Some children might welcome a day away from the
literacy scheme, but it is true they will be deprived of education on 26th
November. On 25th November and 27th November and every other teaching day
teachers will do their best to assist those youngsters achieve to the best of
their ability. The government on the other hand will do nothing to address the
real crisis in schools that has driven so many teachers away from the classroom
since 1997 and before.
Q. A new teacher in London starting in 1997 has
seen his or her pay go up by more than 50 per cent according to DfES, so why
are teachers complaining?
A . This is a distortion and does not typify the
real situation. A typical teacher might have seen a pay increase of about 16%
which is roughly in line with inflation. Further, a new teacher cannot afford
to live in London as house prices over that same period would have increased by
300%
Q. London Weighting has increased by 35% since
1997 according to DfES, so why are teachers complaining.
A. As mentioned, this is to do with cost of
living. Housing and transport costs are huge in London, so a major increase is
necessary to make it worth staying.
Q. I agree with the need for more pay, but there
are better ways of doing it than strike action.
A. There are other ways of campaigning, that’s
true. The NUT has tried them all over many years. (letter writing,
parliamentary lobbies, press campaigns, publicity campaigns). The response of
the government has been to ignore us—except when there’s strike
action.
Q. I understand the arguments, but I
didn’t vote for the strike, so why should I strike?
A. The purpose of the vote is not just a democratic
process but for us to demonstrate the depth of feeling. 89% of Lambeth teachers
voting support the strike. The number voting has doubled since the March vote,
indicating the strength of feeling. NUT calls on all members, however they
voted to recognise this and join the strike.
Q. I only just joined the union after the
ballot—can I strike.
A. Yes, even if you join now, you may strike.
Q. Won’t I lose a day’s
pay?
A. Yes, you will. This is why we are reluctant to
call action more frequently. The strength of feeling is clear
however—young teachers realise quite clearly from all accounts that they
have a choice—leave teaching in a year or so or fight now for a living
wage. They have chosen the latter and Lambeth Teacher recognises this.
Q. What’s the point of striking, all that
happens is that you lose a day’s pay and go back to the same
problem.
A. ask anyone who was on the March on 14th March.
The feeling of solidarity, realising that the union had come alive again was
more than about a day’s pay.
Q. How much will we lose?
A. It should amount to 1/365th of annual salary. If
it is more, than see your union rep. The gains, however are not just financial,
but our collective self respect.
Q. I want to strike, but my headteacher will
harass me when I return?
A. This is a serious matter and should this happen,
the union will defend any member (s) possibly with strike action . Any union
member, whatever their vote is protected by the ballot from any punitive action
that may result from the strike. If this happens, do not hesitate to contact
the union office. |
