On the march in London

Avenue Primary School, 3 form entry in Newham, was closed on April 24th. 16 out of 26 NUT members who were on strike met up and went on the demo from Lincoln Inn Fields to Westminster Hall. 10 of the 16 were young teachers on strike for the first time, our contingent was energetic and noisy with whistles and chants as we followed our school banner. 3 secondary teachers from Roding Valley and 8 primary teachers from other schools in Newham and Redbridge all young teachers (many of them NQTs) joined our lively group. The whole Avenue group and 2 Roding Valley teachers got into the rally and stayed to hear all the speakers, applauding loudly whenever the need for more strikes with other public sector workers was raised.

Caroline, NQT, only joined the NUT 2 weeks ago! She said people kept telling her she ought to join a union and when the NUT called the strike she thought "I'll join them because at least they're doing something!" At the rally she said "I'm so glad I joined and so glad I came today." Kat, a young teacher, brought her 13 month old son on the march and rally. She said she wished people knew that on top of loans, some young teachers like her are struggling to provide for young children. "I can't afford childcare on top of high mortgage repayments that take 2/3 of my salary - I couldn't manage without the help of my mother and aunty! I worry about how to pay my bills and buy food all the time."

Many of my young teacher members commented the next day, that they were so glad they came because if they stayed at home and only listened to the news they would only have heard the biased comments about teachers leaving them feeling isolated and demoralised! Instead they felt a new confidence and hope that unity is strength and that together with other public sector workers, NUT members can push back this government's attacks on our pay and conditions.

Louise Cuffaro, Newham NUT.