Sefton Teachers’
Association
ASOS
Both the NUT GS, Christine Blower and NASUWT GS,
Chris Keates believe that this action is being
successful, especially now that Michael Gove has
written to them offering to discuss the various
issues, despite his claim in the Sunday Times that he
is at war with us.
Many schools both nationally and locally report that
observations and objectives have been reduced to
three, planning does not have to be handed in and
there is no need to use a set form for planning.
One head teacher who put the school planning
policy in the bin whilst discussing the issue with
myself and the NASUWT secretary, asked “why have
my staff said no, now”. The answer is simple, united
action between the NUT and NASUWT means that 9
out of 10 teachers are working together and winning
together. Look at the U-turn on the Ebacc to see
what united action can do.
So far there has been no need for the unions locally
to escalate to strike action, but there have been
some schools nationally where strike action has
been needed to achieve our aims. This strike action
is sustained.
What about your school? Can you tell us of a success
of the action in your school? Do you wish the union
secretaries to come in and talk to you and other
members? If so ask your rep to contact me to
arrange a meeting.
PAY
Using the School Teachers Review Body, Mr Gove
has started dismantling national pay and conditions.
He wishes to take away the surety of what teachers
will be paid and how teachers will be treated as he
suggests this is only the start of the reform of
teachers pay and conditions. Will the 1265 hours
and 195 days be the next to be attacked?
Amongst his present proposals are the removal of
mandatory fixed pay points; no incremental
progression based on experience all pay progression
to be based on appraisal outcomes; tougher criteria
for progression on to UPS and up the UPS scale; no
right to keep pay entitlements when moving schools
or after a career break, not even your UPS is safe.
More information can be found on the website
www.teachers.org.uk in the campaigns section.
The union is working with the NASUWT to draw up a
model pay policy to add to its ASOS list, but you
should note that the DfE have said progression in
September 2013 will be on the present conditions,
so there is no need for schools to rush in new pay
policies even before Mr Gove’s recommendations
have gone through parliament.
Not content with these changes he has also asked
the STRB to look at whether all teachers should get a
1% pay rise. The union in its evidence has shown
that teachers need a substantial pay rise to make up
for the drastic drop in teachers’ living standards
since this government came in to office and has
asked the STRB to show its independence and
recommend a true rise for teachers.
The GS and DGS are in discussions with the NASUWT
regarding actions to fight these proposals and the GS
has warned Mr Gove that unless he is prepared to
listen to the profession, strike action is inevitable.
More details should be forthcoming soon. As a start
members should email their MP, see the website for
how. Also talk to parents, governors etc. to tell them
how these proposals this will further demoralise the
profession, hence worsening the education of their
children. As big a coalition as possible is necessary to
move him.
GENERAL MEETING – TUESDAY 12th March
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A general meeting will be held at the PDC on Tuesday 12th March from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
There will be two items on the agenda.
o
o
Firstly to discuss Mr Gove’s plans for pay and how union members can reply to it.
Secondly to discuss the motion from Richard Knights and Lawrence Glover “Sefton NUT wishes to express
its lack of confidence in the secretary Eddie Ritson and calls on him to resign”
Joint Secretary: Eddie Ritson
e.ritson@executive.nut.org.uk
07802 468574