Hackney teachers set to join national strike
The National Union of Tecahers has called for a one-day strike on Tuesday - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images
Teachers in Hackney are set to take part in national strike action in a dispute with the government over the impact of the government’s education bill and cuts to their pay, conditions and employment.
Schools across the borough will be shut and lessons cancelled on Tuesday as teachers take to the picket line against cuts and government plans to turn schools into academies.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies funding for schools is set to be slashed by 8 per cent and the government is considering plans for further cuts in funding for inner city schools of up to 25 per cent
In addition the government is pressing ahead with its policy of academising schools.
In Hackney 92 per cent of teachers from the National Union of Teachers voted to strike.
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Jamie Duff, President of Hackney NUT said: ‘The Government’s Education Bill is an attempt to speed up the process of privatization and this combined with real term cuts in funding will have major effects on schools.
“It will further erode terms and conditions, increase workload and impede pay progression for teachers.
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“The working conditions of a teacher are the learning environment of a child.
“This government is prioritizing privatization over the needs of children and young people.
‘We regret the inconvenience the strike will cause but unfortunately there is no other option open to us – this is a last resort - we do not take strike action lightly.”
A spokesman for the Department for Education said: “We are already in regular and constructive talks with the NUT on pay and conditions. “It is disappointing that they have chosen to continue with this unnecessary and damaging strike, which less than a quarter of its members voted for, despite our ongoing commitment to formal talks addressing their concerns.
“Industrial action causes disruption to children’s education, to their parents who have to take time out of work to arrange childcare and also damages the reputation of the profession.”
