Janice R. Andrews
Teachers in Wales made history when they overwhelmingly supported strike action over compensation and funding in an indicative ballot. In order to obtain a wage increase that is higher than inflation and more financing for workers, National Education Union (NEU) members in Wales and England have indicated that they are prepared to go on strike.
More than 150,000 NEU teachers working in state schools and sixth forms cast ballots in the preliminary electronic vote, which witnessed a high turnout. The voting, which took place from March 2 to Thursday, addressed important issues pertaining to staffing and compensation. More than 90% of participating members in Wales and England said they would support going on strike to get better financing and a fully funded pay increase that is higher than inflation.
Furthermore, a resounding 87.2% of teacher members in Wales, where 54.1% of them cast ballots, favored strike action over funding and wages. Remarkably, a majority said they would be willing to go on strike if the Welsh Government decided to shorten the summer vacation to just four weeks.
The general secretary of the NEU, Daniel Kebede, underlined the importance of the findings, which show a general lack of satisfaction in the field. Kebede emphasized how urgently the government must act to fix the education situation.
The NEU will decide on next actions at its annual conference in Bournemouth next week. Decisions will be made during a special meeting on Tuesday. The NASUWT union is also in the midst of discussing possible industrial action pertaining to salary, workload, and well-being with its members.
The Department for Education (DfE), which is disappointed about the possibility of more strikes, has urged unions to participate in the pay award process. But in light of continuous worries about school funding and teacher compensation, the NEU’s action indicates a firm position.
A representative for the Welsh Government responded by acknowledging the difficulties brought about by austerity but reiterating their dedication to working with NEU Cymru as part of Wales’ social partnership strategy. The education industry is preparing for possible strike action that might have an impact on students and schools nationwide while talks continue.
