NUT: Teaching unions united in defence of pensions
Friday, 9 September 2011
9:18 AM
Commenting on the decision by the NASUWT to ballot for strike action, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union, said this:
“The decision by yet another teaching union to ballot over strike action demonstrates quite clearly that the Government has lost the argument over pensions.
“Despite the numerous opportunities that the Government has had to negotiate fairly on public sector pensions they have persistently refused to listen to the facts. Teachers’ pensions are affordable and sustainable. We cannot stand by and see them eroded for purely political reasons.
“We look forward to the lobby of Parliament on 26 October, where seven teaching unions will stand together on pensions. The profession is absolutely united in condemning the scandalous way public sector pensions are being ransacked to pay off the national debt.
“The entire teaching profession is now united against the unnecessary attacks that have been made on our pensions. This is a huge vote of no confidence in the Government’s policy on pensions.
“If the Government doesn’t see sense and listen to the teaching profession there is a very great likelihood of further industrial action in the second half of this term.”
END pr118-2011
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