Teachers’ strike action continues
The NASUWT and NUT teaching unions have said they are left with no option but to continue with strike action in order to defend their profession (see Labour Research, July 2013, page 5).
The unions have accused the education secretary, Michael Gove, of refusing to genuinely engage with them despite the very deep concerns and anger of teachers and school leaders.
The next phase of action includes national rallies in September and rolling national strike action in September and October culminating in a one-day, all-out national strike before the end of the autumn term.
This follows on from the day of strike action taken in June where most schools in north-west England shut for a day.
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said that Gove “has the opportunity to avoid further national strike action by demonstrating that he is willing to engage seriously on the issues that we have put to him”.