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NEWS • VIEWS • INFORMATION • ADVICE


LGBT equality under threat

(Photo captioned: NASUWT delegates at the TUC LGBT Conference)

The threat to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) teachers and pupils from the Coalition Government’s programme of cuts and reform was starkly highlighted by the NASUWT at this year’s TUC LGBT Conference.

The free schools and academies project has a number of particular risks for LGBT equality, NASUWT Representative Alan Phippen told the conference, citing emerging evidence on the proposers of a number of free schools showing that some groups are seeking to use the opportunity to open schools that promote homophobic and discriminatory views.

This threat is being exacerbated by the attitude of the Coalition Government to equality issues, Mr Phippen went on to argue. The Education Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament, makes no reference to tackling homophobia, transphobia and homophobic bullying, despite the Coalition Government promising to address this issue prior to the creation of the Bill. This omission, he said, demonstrates the reality behind the rhetoric, showing that the Coalition has no real commitment to equality and the rights of LGBT people.

“The Coalition has failed to conduct a proper equality assessment of its education reforms. The discrimination in the education system that will arise from these changes, including discrimination against LGBT teachers and staff, is either being ignored or covered up,” he said.

NASUWT Representative Mary Page also urged delegates to join the fight against homophobia and repression of LGBT people worldwide. She paid tribute to courageous campaigners in Uganda who have successfully overturned an Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which, if enacted, would have seen LGBT people facing life in prison because of their sexuality. Despite this victory, violence and repression in Uganda is still rife, she explained, highlighting the recent brutal killing of teacher and gay rights activist David Kato.

The NASUWT has developed links with the Uganda National Teachers’ Union and has joined Education International (EI), a federation of education unions worldwide, in calling on the Ugandan Government to bring those responsible for Mr Kato’s death to justice.

Ms Page urged the wider trade union movement to join this fight: “As trade unions, we have a duty to champion equality, not just at home but around the world. Securing the decriminalisation of homosexuality in all parts of the world must remain a priority action in the fight for social justice and human rights.”

Also at the conference, Mr Phippen was successfully re-elected to the TUC LGBT Committee. The event was followed by the London Pride march and rally, which aims to highlight and challenge discrimination against LGBT people. The NASUWT took part in the parade and ran a stall during the event.

(Photo captioned: TUC Conference)

Further advice and information for LGBT members can be found at www.nasuwt.org.uk/LGBT.


Alarm sounded on Glasgow’s probationer pay cut

The NASUWT has urged Scotland’s largest education authority to clarify its call for all probationer teachers to be put on half pay for the first two years of their career.

Glasgow City Council has submitted a plan for the probation period to last two years instead of one and for trainees to receive half the salary for the extended period. At current rates this would mean probationers earning a salary of £10,700 per annum for the first two years of their career.

The NASUWT has rejected this idea, which unfairly penalises new entrants into the profession, many of whom are already likely to have significant student debts. The measures would also deter graduates from entering the profession and have a negative impact on teacher supply.

If approved by the Scottish Government, this unacceptable proposal would apply to all probationer teachers.

Coming at a time of such difficulty for new teachers, the proposals from Glasgow City Council are yet another attack on the morale and status of the profession.

Oppose the plans

The NASUWT has created an online facility to enable members to contact their MSP directly to register their opposition to planned changes to teachers’ pay and conditions.

A model letter has been created, which members can adapt if desired, which sets out the case against changing the teacher’s contract and urges MSPs to fight the plans.

All members need to do is log on to the NASUWT website at www.nasuwt.org.uk/ScottishTeachers and enter a few details to send a letter of protest to their MSP.



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