This is perhaps not surprising, given that 121,253 members voted yes for strikes and will therefore be expected to take part. Where a union taking strike action establishes a picket line, refusal to cross it would render a teacher who is not a member of the union(s) taking strike action liable to disciplinary action, including the deduction of salary, as it would be considered as participating in unlawful industrial action. Where a school/college remains partially open and certain classes/year groups are sent home, NASUWT members should not agree to timetable variations to accommodate classes or pupils who would normally have been taken by those taking action. I got QTS ages ago, but have never done my induction year. If the strikes result in a pay rise, will it apply to all teachers? Express your support to colleagues on the picket line. The content and nature of this work should be determined through the exercise of the teachers' professional judgement. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Most collective bargaining agreements for teachers through a union are for two years, with options to renew or adjust the language as needed at that time. Our movement is stronger where we work together in the interests of all of our members. Assure them of your solidarity. Early career teachers (England) and NQTs (Wales) pay just 1 for membership for the first year after qualifying. The law states that a strike or other industrial action will be unofficial in relation to an employee unless they are: a member of a trade union and the . a business can't pressure an independent contractor . There is a50 per centdiscount for the second year of membership. When you look at the difference between states with high unionization rates for teachers and those with lower ones, it is the former which tends to produce better and more consistent results. If the school is closed fully to all pupils, the headteacher/principal will need to determine whether the school will be open to all staff who are not engaged in the strike action. The deputy/vice-principal will, on that day, have to make their own decision about whether the school should stay open based upon their own risk assessment. NASUWT members should not suffer any salary deduction if the school closes. 2. Instead it appears to be business as usual, as demands for after-school. How a days pay is calculated is outlined in new government guidance, Handling strike action in schools. Realistically, though, similar to how there is no guarantee of agency staff being in such supply that they can cover striking teachers, finding other heads, such as recently retired heads, may be a tall order for schools. In today's lawsuit-happy society, this protection alone can be worth becoming a member. If a member is instructed to do so by the headteacher/principal, they should protest, ask the headteacher/principal to put the instruction in writing and notify the NASUWT immediately. We negotiate on all matters of pay and conditions of service on behalf of school teachers with local authority and government representatives within theScottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers. Can an employer ask NASUWT members if they will be in work during the period of any strike action? 70% of the states which do not have teachers unions make up the bottom tier of the U.S. educational rankings. The BCTF supports teachers and students with strong representation and outspoken advocacy. If a picket is to be mounted, the headteacher/principal should make clear that they expect staff/pupils entering the building to be treated professionally. Being asked to cover for striking colleagues According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time union members had median weekly earnings of $1,169 in 2021, versus. Guidance published by the DfE in Englandin this regard only relates to non-union members. In the event of a strike, the Department for Education expects the headteacher to take all reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many pupils as possible, it says. Your money goes toward something you dont want. An NASUWT supply teacher on a long-term assignment would need to report for work to the school where they are undertaking the assignment as they would on any other day. It can result in fewer educational opportunities for the community. It is important that members look carefully at their contracts of employment to understand the duties and requirements that may apply to them. Members requiring professional support out of hours should contact their Local Association Secretary or National Executive Member. registered in England (Company No 02017289) with its registered office at Building 3, Can supply teachers replace staff taking strike action? As well as calling for industrial action, influencing government policy and campaigning for better conditions, the unionsalso offer their members legal and financial advice, and insurance. Strike action is not unforeseen. For more details, check the Teachers Pensions website. You can support colleagues by expressing solidarity for their action, but you should not join a picket line. It is unlawful for any member of the NASUWT to take industrial action where the NASUWT has not given a specific notice to the employer advising that action will be taken. Heres what you need to know. There are limited numbers of agency workers and already a high reliance on agency staff across schools, she says. We detected you havent selected to personalise the site. Healthcare professionals cannot issue fit notes for non-medical problems and do not issue them until an individual has been absent in excess of seven days. St Pauls Place, Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JE. How a days pay is calculated is outlined in new government guidance. ), 2023 NASUWT all rights reserved The goal of a public or private union is essentially the same: to improve the working conditions of each employee, provide them with a grievance system to protect their employment, and ensure that safety is a top priority. It also says schools could negotiate around staff who would suffer long-term financial loss from taking part in strikes, such as: Although school leaders union the NAHT did not meet the minimum turnout threshold for strikes in its ballot, headteachers can be members of the NEU, so it could be that some will strike, too. With roots dating back more than 150 years in the U.S., these organizations play critical roles not only in securing benefits for teachers but also shaping the way education works. The Education Secretary and officials from the Department for Education (DfE) continue to meet the trades unions to try to prevent strike action. But before Janus, NEA had recorded 2.45 . Every year I ask my college class how many students have seen a high school teacher cry, and most students raise their hands. Teachers who have the protection of the union do not automatically gain tenure or a job that they can keep under any situation. Although a headteacher may ask staff if they belong to a union, or if they intend to strike, there is no obligation on staff to share that information. How can I show my support to members of other unions on the day of their strike action? The two biggest national unions include: Most teachers unions offer membership to a variety of roles within schools. Combining the expertise and experience of both theATLandNUTsections, the NEU is the UKs largest education union. support staff will be expected to be in their school if it is open, so they could be an option for cover. Professional development, training and events. If you are anNASUWT member working in Northern Ireland, you can email the Northern Ireland National Centre for support, advice and information. An employer or employment agency is not allowed to insist that you: Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you or choose you for redundancy because you: Your employer must not treat you unfavourably (for example refusing you promotion or training opportunities) if you: You may be able to use a grievance procedure or go to an employment tribunal if you think your employer has treated you unfairly because of your trade union membership. (You will need to log in to see your personalised information. Where teachers are employed under the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, however, they cannot be compelled to provide cover for other teachers during industrial action, it says. It is still a problem for many; however, and this problem is not likely to go away any time soon. The government has said that where pupils are eligible for free school meals, schools should work with their school catering team or food provider to ensure that a good quality lunch parcel is made available. Doing so would undermine important principled commitments made by every TUC-affiliated union. No, staff who are not in the NEU, or who are members of the union but do not want to strike, cannot be compelled to strike. If an NASUWT deputy/vice-principal is working in a school where the headteacher/principal is a member of the union taking strike action, they are advised to ask the headteacher/principal in advance of the strike what they are planning to do on the day of the strike. That is why some teachers decide to opt out of representation even if it is available. Additional advice for members in England on new DfE guidance. If this isnt possible then the school should be closed. One decision that a new teacher may face is whether or not they should join a teachers union. He took aim at the politicization of teachers' unions and the indoctrination of students with "political agendas" and "ideological material." During the conference, DeSantis announced a proposal for "teacher empowerment" legislation according to Florida's Voice News . If large numbers of staff strike, schools may need to restrict attendance for some pupils. Union wages are generally higher than non-union wages globally. Union membership is an individuals choice. If a new pay deal is renegotiated by the unions, then everybody will receive the pay uplift regardless of who took part in the strike action. Do I have to set cover/amalgamate class groups - again I am concerned about the health and safety implications? Staff employed to provide cleaning, catering or other premises services. Staff not involved in strike action should report to work or remain at home if directed by the headteacher/principal to do so. It is therefore right that members show their solidarity with colleagues in other unions when they are taking industrial action. The act allows public-employee unions to collect private information on teachers and other workers, makes it illegal for administrators and school board members to discourage teachers from joining or staying in the union, and restricts public-records requests to make it difficult for taxpayer and other outside groups to inform workers that they Students must also have a safe and effective classroom which allows them to learn. All employees and independent contractors are free to choose to join or not join a union. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Normal arrangements for notifying the employer of sickness absence continue to apply. Pros and Cons of Joining a Teachers Union. This is also known as freedom of association. The more members a union has, the bigger voice they have. Some teachers may be on picket lines or may join marches demonstrating for a better pay deal. Republicans and Democrats can see the purpose of education in very different ways, impacting the overall teaching environment and salary expectations that are available from year-to-year. If a majority of workers wants to form a union, they can select a union in one of two ways: If at least 30% of workers sign cards or a petition saying they want a union, the NLRB will conduct an election. Despite the strikes being planned, the governments new guidancemakes it clear that schools are expected to stay open if possible. Will I be expected to undertake the work my partner would normally do? Where the school will be open or partially open to staff and/or pupils, NASUWT headteachers/principals should ascertain whether the union on strike is planning to mount a picket at the school. The presence of the union ensures that any problems that occur in the school or institutional setting can receive a proper review. Early decision is a college application that is submitted in advance of the regular decision deadline. The NEU has announced it has met the threshold required in a ballot of its teacher members to strike in schools across England. The NASUWT has not entered into any agreements permitting other unions to take into membership members of the NASUWT. Closure of my school/college Although unions have been around since the 18th century to protect the rights and safety of workers, public employees have only recently benefited from the structure. Schools with a teachers union typically perform better than those without one. makes it clear that schools are expected to stay open if possible. Those issues fly in the face of state compulsory attendance [] Any obligations in respect of health and safety and the completion of risk assessments rests with the employer and I am sure you will be informed of the number of staff taking industrial action accordingly. Fill out your information on the form to the right and select your state. This is because teachers unions are a powerful entity. Should your school/college seek this information ahead of 1 February 2023, or on subsequent planned days of industrial action, you might find one or more of the following statements useful if you feel it necessary to respond: In regard to the form recently circulated for staff to complete, I understand this is optional. Members hold leadership positions in early years,primary,special and secondary schools,independent schools,sixth form and FE colleges,outdoor education centres,pupil referral units, social services establishments and other educational settings.. We have developed acentral role as one of the most respected voices in educationin Scotland. In their last year of service when they are in the pension scheme. Please see the advice above to members, which covers the factors that should be taken into consideration when arriving at a decision. The Union would look to challenge such action legally and also consider balloting members at the school/college for industrial action. NASUWT, the Teachers' Union, provides unrivalled protection, benefits and support for teachers, from professional advice and legal support to High Street discounts and free training. Although this process can provide consistency, it can be an outcome that encourages constant failure. 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