Strike is about more than pay, say teachers

As reported by the BBC, a one-day strike is getting under way across England and Wales as part of a dispute over pay

Wednesday was the first of seven scheduled days of industrial action organised by the National Education Union (NEU) following a vote by members. The union has said it expects about 23,000 schools to be affected by the walk-out.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan said: “It is hugely disappointing the NEU is continuing with strike action. These strikes will have a significant impact on children’s education, especially following the disruption of the past two years, and are creating huge uncertainly for parents.

“With talks ongoing on a range of issues, including around future pay, workload, behaviour and recruitment and retention, it is clear that strikes are not being used as a last resort.

“I have been clear today that unions do not need to strike to meet with me. I also reiterated my call to union leaders to ask their members to let head teachers know if they intend to strike, helping schools to minimise the impact on children.

“I will continue doing everything possible to protect children’s education.”