Teachers won’t strike despite vote for action

OLDHAM’S schools will not be hit by more strikes this year — despite teachers narrowly voting in favour of a walk out.

Fewer than a third of National Union of Teacher (NUT) members voted in a ballot for industrial action over pay, with 51.7 per cent in favour.

Around 5,000 schools were forced to shut when teachers went on strike in April. More than half of Oldham’s 109 schools closed or operated reduced timetables and 25,000 pupils were told to stay at home in the borough.

Under the current deal, teachers receive a 2.45 per cent increase in 2008 plus rises of 2.3 per cent for both 2009 and 2010.

Christine Blower, NUT acting general secretary, said: “We did achieve a majority in the ballot, but it was not the biggest we’ve ever had and we needed to listen to those who didn’t think it was right to take strike action at present.

“Teachers’ pay is inadequate but there are other things on teachers’ minds at present given the current global situation.”

However, she said the NUT would be continuing with their pay campaign, and added: “The fact is inflation is now at 5 per cent and pay has only been upgraded by 2.45 per cent. It remains an active concern.”

The NUT issued 194,505 ballot papers and Tony Harrison, joint branch secretary of Oldham NUT, said: “We are slightly disappointed in the turnout. Having said that, in percentage terms it is larger than in most local elections. However, we do need to have a stronger mandate from our members.

“We were pleased there was a majority in favour which shows teachers are dissatisfied with the pay offer and we will consult with members to see where they want us to go next.

“The important thing is we have given our members the opportunity to speak on this and not all organisations have done so. We do feel there is a need for us to work with other public-sector unions to ensure that our members do not lose out in this economic climate.

“Giving public-sector workers a higher wage would be a sensible way out of the recession. They would spend the money and boost the economy. That’s a better way than giving it to fats cats in industry who do not reinvest it.”