Schools Face Teacher Walk Out

A leading Government minister is opposing a mass walk out in schools by members of the National Union of Teachers.

The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls believes that "the majority" of teachers do not wish to take strike action on Thursday.

"Teachers should not be walking out," Mr Balls said. "I’m very disappointed and I think that parents across the country are disappointed."

It is reported that the strike could close or disrupt more than 6,000 schools in England and Wales.

Schools in inner London authorities have not yet announced school closures but this could push the number even higher.

It is likely that schools in Leeds, Cardiff, Suffolk and Cumbria will all suffer from the walk out.

Opposing views between the NUT and the government about the level of inflation used to determine pay increases has instigated the strike.

However, NUT members voted by a three to one majority to support the action.

The late Steve Sinnott, General Secretary for the NUJ had commented: "Members voting 3 to 1 in favour of action is a clear mandate."

Christine Blower, Acting General Secretary for the NUT said in a letter to FE college lecturer members: "Taking strike action will never be an easy choice for those involved in education, but action now may help prevent increasing damage through FE teacher shortages and low morale."

Among the conditions teachers are calling for is a 6% increase of £1,500, or whichever is higher, a minimum hourly rate of £7.50 and "meaningful negotiations" on the establishment of common conditions of service across all colleges that are appropriate to the category staff concerned.

Junior Schools Minister Jim Knight is also disappointed at the strike action but that it is "nothing compared to the disappointment of parents".

Ivan Ould, Chairman of the National Employers' Organisation for School Teachers also opposes the strike action. "Children so close to their exams will lose out on invaluable study time," he said. "The NUT should pause for thought before embarking on action that will affect large swathes of the country."

Mr Ould added: "Councils and schools are working together to ensure that if the strike does happen then the minimum possible disruption will occur to children and parents."

(DS)