September 30th 2024.
Earlier this year, thousands of teachers went on strike to demand better pay and working conditions. They were joined by workers from other trade unions who were also taking industrial action. It was a powerful display of unity and determination to fight for what they believed in.
After much negotiation, the largest education union in the UK has voted to accept the Government's offer of a 5.5% pay raise for teachers in England. In a snap poll conducted by the National Education Union, an overwhelming 95% of members voted in favor of the 2024/25 pay offer. This is a significant victory for the union and its members.
According to the NEU, schools will receive an additional £1.2 billion in funding to cover the costs of the pay raise. General secretary Daniel Kebede expressed pride in the hard-fought campaign that led to this outcome. He also made it clear that while they have accepted this year's pay deal, it is only the first step in addressing the larger issue of teacher pay.
Kebede highlighted the fact that teacher pay in England has been cut by a quarter in real terms under the Conservative government and is much lower compared to Scotland. This is simply unsustainable and must be addressed in order to tackle the recruitment and retention crisis facing the education system.
The acceptance of this offer by the UK's largest teaching union is not just about the interests of teachers, but also about the well-being of students and their parents. The shortage of teachers and high class sizes are detrimental to the quality of education. The NEU also stressed the need for solutions to long-standing problems in pay for support staff, further education, and sixth form college teachers.
It is now up to the Government to make a commitment to repairing the damage done to teacher pay under the Conservatives. This can only be achieved through negotiations with the teacher unions. Reversing pay cuts and addressing the issue of workload are crucial steps in properly valuing, recruiting, and retaining teachers.
Last year, NEU members went on strike for eight days in state schools in England as part of their pay dispute. This shows the level of determination and dedication of teachers to fight for fair pay and working conditions. It is a reminder that the struggle for better education continues and the NEU will not rest until their demands are fully met.
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