The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), has confirmed the dates of its ballot on strike action over proposed pension cuts.
Ballot papers will be despatched on Thursday 29th September and the ballot will close on Wednesday 9 November1. If its members vote yes, it will be the first time in the union’s 114-year history that its members will have chosen to strike.
Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT, said: “With great reluctance, faced with a refusal by the government to negotiate on the basis of a proper valuation of the scheme, we feel we have no option but to demonstrate our anger at this attack on the teaching profession.
"Like everyone else, teachers have paid the price for the recession in taxes and pay cuts. They are now also being taxed to pay for the mistakes of others.
"We fear for the future of a system with a demoralised and devalued profession. We fear that we will not be able to attract people to become heads at a time when targets and workloads are rising.
“No school leader wants to strike and it is a symbol of their anger over this issue that they are even considering it as an option. For many, the attack on pensions is more than a question of attacks on individual retirement plans but a threat to the future of education itself. Teaching is a vocation and no one entered the profession to get rich. However, we do need to ensure that teaching is an attractive career choice for the most talented graduates. Future pupils deserve nothing less.”
1. The NAHT has not yet decided on a date for possible strike action in the light of a yes vote. However, any day of action must be taken within four weeks of the ballot closing date. November 30 would, therefore, be possible.
Page Published: 22/09/2011
