WORKLOAD, ELECTIONS and WALKOUTS!
WORKLOAD
As we all know, a recession is only likely to mean more pressure on schools – through poverty and youth unemployment and spending cuts too. Our workload will get even greater – at a time when teachers already face an intolerable burden. Worse, too many colleagues wonder whether the Union can really make a difference as they see things have just carried on getting harder every year. Of course the Union can make a difference – if we organise collective action.
Our demand for a national ballot on workload definitely got an echo at Conference 2008 – the policy was won - but the Executive chose to stick with balloting on pay on its own. The feedback from Associations about supporting the Lewisham motion calling for a national ballot to win a comprehensive claim on pay AND conditions has shown that many delegates agree with us that, this time, Conference has to demand the ballot happens. Hopefully, the Lewisham motion will be on the agenda (the prioritisation results will be out shortly). We will also distribute some suggested amendments to motions – do send in any you would like to circulate.
Of course, it’s not just Conference that’s important; it’s also what we can do to raise people’s sights in our schools. To help both locally and nationally, I am proposing that we produce a Classroom Teacher pamphlet on workload – and make it a feature of our intervention at NUT Conference and in schools. If you’ve got anything you’d like to contribute – about particular aspects of workload, horror stories or successes in local disputes and so on, do let me know.
NUT ELECTIONS
As I stood in the last General Secretary election, a few people have been asking me whether I’m standing this time (including Christine Blower!) I reassured Christine that I wasn’t intending to stand against her. However, I am looking to stand in the elections for Vice-President again. The election takes place in the Autumn Term but if any Associations are looking to make nominations already, I’d be grateful if you could make sure colleagues know about my candidature.
WALKOUTS
The construction site walkouts have shown that when workers have really had enough, the anti-union laws demanding ballots are quickly ignored! Of course, the tabloid coverage may have worried teachers that this was driven by racist ‘anti-foreigner’ views. I think we could do well to help counter the press coverage by explaining what the dispute – and its leaders – are really calling for.
The demands agreed at the mass meeting in Lincolnshire today were:
· No victimisation of workers taking solidarity action.
· All workers in UK to be covered by the national agreements.
· Union controlled registering of unemployed and locally skilled union members, with nominating rights as work becomes available.
· Government and employer investment in proper training / apprenticeships for new generation of construction workers - fight for a future for young people.
· All Immigrant labour to be unionised.
· Trade Union assistance for immigrant workers - including interpreters - and access to Trade Union advice - to promote active integrated Trade Union Members.
· Build links with construction trade unions on the continent.
Martin Powell-Davies, Lewisham NUT
As we all know, a recession is only likely to mean more pressure on schools – through poverty and youth unemployment and spending cuts too. Our workload will get even greater – at a time when teachers already face an intolerable burden. Worse, too many colleagues wonder whether the Union can really make a difference as they see things have just carried on getting harder every year. Of course the Union can make a difference – if we organise collective action.
Our demand for a national ballot on workload definitely got an echo at Conference 2008 – the policy was won - but the Executive chose to stick with balloting on pay on its own. The feedback from Associations about supporting the Lewisham motion calling for a national ballot to win a comprehensive claim on pay AND conditions has shown that many delegates agree with us that, this time, Conference has to demand the ballot happens. Hopefully, the Lewisham motion will be on the agenda (the prioritisation results will be out shortly). We will also distribute some suggested amendments to motions – do send in any you would like to circulate.
Of course, it’s not just Conference that’s important; it’s also what we can do to raise people’s sights in our schools. To help both locally and nationally, I am proposing that we produce a Classroom Teacher pamphlet on workload – and make it a feature of our intervention at NUT Conference and in schools. If you’ve got anything you’d like to contribute – about particular aspects of workload, horror stories or successes in local disputes and so on, do let me know.
NUT ELECTIONS
As I stood in the last General Secretary election, a few people have been asking me whether I’m standing this time (including Christine Blower!) I reassured Christine that I wasn’t intending to stand against her. However, I am looking to stand in the elections for Vice-President again. The election takes place in the Autumn Term but if any Associations are looking to make nominations already, I’d be grateful if you could make sure colleagues know about my candidature.
WALKOUTS
The construction site walkouts have shown that when workers have really had enough, the anti-union laws demanding ballots are quickly ignored! Of course, the tabloid coverage may have worried teachers that this was driven by racist ‘anti-foreigner’ views. I think we could do well to help counter the press coverage by explaining what the dispute – and its leaders – are really calling for.
The demands agreed at the mass meeting in Lincolnshire today were:
· No victimisation of workers taking solidarity action.
· All workers in UK to be covered by the national agreements.
· Union controlled registering of unemployed and locally skilled union members, with nominating rights as work becomes available.
· Government and employer investment in proper training / apprenticeships for new generation of construction workers - fight for a future for young people.
· All Immigrant labour to be unionised.
· Trade Union assistance for immigrant workers - including interpreters - and access to Trade Union advice - to promote active integrated Trade Union Members.
· Build links with construction trade unions on the continent.
Martin Powell-Davies, Lewisham NUT
posted by classroom teacher at
20:54
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