Where do we go from here?

The ballot result is disappointing for so many
teachers that want to continue the fight for fair pay
but I think it shows two main things.

That the campaign lost so much momentum when teachers
were not balloted to go on strike alongside UNISON in
the summer term and that with the changing economic
situation it was difficult to persuade teachers to
continue with strike action.

That the leadership has not really outlined a strategy
for success and teachers were not convinced that
forcing the government to back down was possible. I
think the UNISON leadership should also be held to
account for the lack of a combined campaign with a
genuine will to win.

Where do we go from here?
I believe to be successful the campaign must bring
workload in and push for national action on workload
first with pay as a secondary demand. Surely the logic follows that to reduce workload will
mean more teachers are needed, how do we recruit more
teachers? Pay them more.

Phil Clarke

Lewes, Eastbourne and Wealden NUT Secretary