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Campaign to defend education 

All together now

 NUT members began a programme of action alongside the NASUWT at the start of October to protect pay and conditions. Read on to find out what’s been happening since.

Background

Earlier this year, NUT members voted to take strike action and action short of strike action in protest against continued Government attacks on their profession.

The NUT’s action short of strike action, which is part of our joint campaign with the NASUWT, began on 3 October. The two unions, which together represent nine out of ten teachers, are resisting the coalition Government’s attacks on workload, pay and conditions, inspections and job security.

What are non-strike sanctions?

Across England and Wales, members are taking action short of strike action while continuing to teach as normal. The action is aimed at enhancing teaching and learning while hitting out at over-the-top accountability. Examples of sanctions include:

• Refusing to hand in short-term planning

• Refusing to attend more than one management-directed meeting per week

• Refusing to cooperate with more than three observations per performance management cycle.

The NUT believes that by releasing teachers from other tasks, they will be free to think about teaching and learning.

NUT General Secretary Christine Blower said: “Teachers are being undermined by a Government whose almost daily criticisms and erosion of working conditions and pay, coming on top of previous attacks on pensions, are unacceptable. This negative approach to the profession has to stop.

“The action we are taking at this stage will have a positive benefit on children’s education and restore a balance to the working lives of teachers. This is our chance to make a real difference for teachers and education.”

If necessary, both unions are prepared to escalate their campaign and take strike action. Find out what this means for you at www.teachers.org.uk/action-to-defend-teachers-FAQs

To find further details of non-strike sanctions and to read our advice for school leaders and governors, visit www.teachers.org.uk/protect-teachers

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