Teachers set for more strike ballots

2:55pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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Teachers in Bradford are likely to be balloted on stop-work meetings and rolling strikes from September.

The first one-day strike by teachers across the district in 21 years last month saw 100 schools shut or partially close due to industrial action by the National Union of Teachers (NUT).

More than 39,000 pupils at nearly half the district's schools were affected.

Now NUT members in Bradford are likely to be asked to cast their vote on further stoppages.

However, a ballot on extended action is unlikely to take place until the autumn.

Ian Murch, Bradford NUT branch secretary, said: "I don't think it is very likely that there will be another strike this term because we are committed to examinations.

"But the pay campaign is continuing."

Mr Murch said the union would "consider" action including rolling strikes and stop-work meetings from September, but stressed no action would take place without backing from members.

NUT members are now being encouraged to participate in the union's Fair Pay for Teachers campaign by writing to their MPs and local councillors, signing an online petition and keeping the issue of teachers' pay a live topic in staffrooms.

NUT Bradford branch delegates will join other public sector workers campaigning over pay at a TUC lobby of Parliament on Monday, June 9.

Mr Murch said last month's strike had received particularly strong support from young teachers in the Bradford district and said the union had seen its biggest nationwide membership increase in 20 years in 2008.

He said: "Many young teachers told us they were pleased that we recognised the problems they in particular are facing.

"Older teachers have not faced the twin problems of student debt and being able to secure a mortgage. Young teachers are struggling to make ends meet."

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have also rejected a pay offer of 2.5 per cent from the Association of Colleges.

UCU Bradford branch members manned a picket line outside Bradford College during their own one-day stoppage which was held on the same day as the NUT action.

The UCU, which represents further-education lecturers, has submitted a pay claim for six per cent or £1,500, which-ever is the greater. This would establish a minimum wage level of £7.38 per hour.

Barry Lovejoy, the UCU's FE spokesman, said: "The employers need to go back to the drawing board and come up with an offer."