School strikes

[quizfan]

Should teachers be allowed to take industrial action?

[dogbreath]

Yes. If the railway workers can totally wreck the organisation of my working week, I din't see why teachers can't do the same. Either they can all strike or no-one can.

[incitatus]

The right to strike is a fundamental for a democracy. Otherwise how do employees find a voice? Good luck to em.

[mrsrobinson]

As a teacher, I appreciate the positive comments made so far. It *is* a fundamental right, and a right taken very seriously. As with most professions, teachers see strike action as very much a last resort. We are as acutely aware of the implications of such action as anyone else. The fact that the main unions are all considering it must tell the public that there is something pretty seriously wrong in our schools. It's really not abuot rates of pay either, you'll have noticed, I'm sure.

[mrsrobinson]

Apologies - that last post was supposed to say, "as with most *vocational* professions. I note from the news that there is now very much a financial aspect to the NUT's demands. A little disappointing, although there is a serious issue to address concerning London allowances, I feel.

[incitatus]

Tell me about it. Im not a teacher but my london allowance doesnt even cover the increased transport costs, let alone the extra rent etc.

[mrsrobinson]

Exactly! Teachers are already moving back out of London and finding other jobs because they can't afford houses. Professionals with at least four years' training cannot live and work in the capital! Can the government not see the only logical endpoint? Schools in London on three- and four-day weeks?

[vittoria]

I agree with Incitatus and MrsRobinson.