BY GAVIN MACKINTOSH
The National Union of Teachers strike is a bad look for the government. A one day strike held today by the NUT, is a reminder of the urgent need for the government to get a grip on education.
Hundreds of schools nation wide in most regions are facing either closures or massive disruptions over issues of pay and workload.
91.7 percent of all union members who voted, supported the strike. The unions active leader, Kevin Courteney said ” school budgets were not keeping pace with rising costs”.
He apologized for the disruption to parents and teachers. According to Courtney and the teachers union he represents, government provision for schools have not kept up with rising inflation.
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Education secretary, Nick Morgan, condemned the strikes, saying it is bad for the reputation of the profession in the eyes of the public.
Morgan pointed to a 4 bn rise added to the 40 bn already spent on schools this year, saying dialogue with the government was the right process, not strike action.
Morgan fails to consider the fact that frustration among teachers have long been running high. Warnings about today’s strike apparent, with the issue flagged up as recently as last week.
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Government action to address the issues of the strike were shamefully none existent. NUT leader,Courtney, stressed that teachers don’t take strikes lightly. The logical interpretation being that the situation is serious enough to warrant a strike.
With inflation still vacillating in the wake of the Brexit vote, the government will be disinclined to infuse further cash despite the growing outcry for urgent and sustained intervention.
Parliament is currently in disarray with the Conservative Party full of rifts and deep wounds, and the Layout party resembling a sinking ship in need of external rescue, given the internal war and disunity at work there.
A strong voice backed with action is desperately needed to save our schools. British education remains one of the most respected in the world. However, this is mainly with respect our universities, private and grammar schools.
Our public schools have good teachers too. Sadly, without adequate funds to uphold their efforts and commitment, our public schools will continue to fall in standards.
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