NASUWT: Largest teachers' union ballot
Friday, 4 November 2011 9:40 AM
Over 227,500 teachers in England and Wales will today be issued with their ballot papers, in the first national industrial action ballot the NASUWT has called in over a decade.
The NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, has lodged a formal trade dispute with the government over workload, conditions of service, pensions and jobs.
The ballot opens today and will close on Thursday 17 November. The result of the ballot will be announced on 18 November.
Members are being asked to vote for action short of strike action and strike action.
NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates said:
“The decision to ballot has not been taken lightly.
“It is a response to the deep concerns and anger members have conveyed to us about excessive workload, unjust proposals on pensions, rapidly worsening pay and conditions of service and increasing job loss.
“The NASUWT has not rushed to ballot and has over the last year sought to engage with the Government.
“Regrettably, ministers have ploughed on relentlessly with policies and plans which have taken their toll on morale and motivation, making it increasingly difficult for teachers to continue to do their best for children and young people.
“Over half of teachers now report that they have seriously considered quitting teaching altogether in the last 12 months. Only the recession is preventing a mass exodus.
“The Government has created a crisis in education and the result is that pupils, teachers and the quality of education are all suffering.
“NASUWT members are being asked to vote yes in the ballot to stand up for standards.”
ENDS
Stuart Gannon
NASUWT Press Office
Tel: 020 7420 9681
Mobile (and out of hours contact): 07966 198894
Address: 5 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8SD
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